CHAMPAIGN — Republican leaders in northwestern Champaign County will have to meet to select a replacement for Champaign County Board member Larry Sapp, who submitted his resignation after Thursday's board meeting.

"We will do exactly what we have done in the past, which is exactly what our central committee bylaws say we must do," said Jason Barickman, chair of the county's Republican Party and a state representative. "The elected precinct committeemen from county board district 1 will meet and select a successor."

District 1 includes the northwestern quadrant of the county, and takes in Mahomet, Fisher, part of Ludlow, two precincts in Champaign Township and three more in the city of Champaign.

The party, Barickman said, has 60 days from the time the vacancy occurs (June 30) to call a meeting to interview potential candidates.

"I have heard that there are individuals interested" in the seat, Barickman said. "But no specific candidate has contacted me directly."

Sapp, who was elected to the county board in November 2002, said he was leaving the board for "personal reasons." About 18 months remains on his term.