Bob Albury said he doesn't want it to sound like sour grapes.

But the day after he lost his bid for a seat on the Camden County Commission, he questioned if he might have won if Camden County voters clearly understood that his opponent has taken an "open-minded" view about the prospects of a Navy pilot training field coming to Camden.

For his part, Michael McLain, who beat Albury in the Republican primary, wants to set the record straight: He is strongly opposed to a Navy outlying landing field coming to Camden County, and would take that position as a commissioner.

McLain said there are some residents who are in the silent minority who favor the OLF coming here.

McLain also said during the campaign that he is open to talking with the Navy and listening to their proposals. And he said he favored a referendum where voters could express their opinion about the issue.

But on Wednesday, he said that does not translate into his support for the OLF coming to Camden.

Navy pilots use OLF's to practice takeoffs and landings, mainly at night, preparing for the actual aircraft carrier maneuvers. Camden County commissioners have presented a unified front in opposition to the proposal, as have thousands of residents.

McLain said he would be part of that opposition movement if elected. He said he doesn't cherish the thought of fighter jets flying over his home in the early hours of the morning.

"I'm opposed to an OLF for Camden. I've

always stated that I'm opposed to an OLF," he said.

However, McLain said the Navy, like anyone else, has a right to be heard if they want to come and talk about it.

"I'm for open and fair government. Everyone has a right to be heard," McLain said.

However, Albury suggested that McLain's comments show he might be swayed toward accepting the OLF.

"If he is willing to negotiate, he is not completely against it (an OLF)," Albury said.

As a result, Albury said he is strongly throwing his support behind Joey Coppersmith, who will be running against McLain in the November general election.