Who is Esther Cunningham from Out to Canaan and what is their importance?

Esther Cunningham is Mitford's mayor. She has been mayor for eight terms, sixteen years, and is running for a ninth term. Not expecting competition, she is surprised when Mack Stroupe gets in the race. At first it seems like a joke, but soon Esther becomes concerned and begins planning a campaign to run against Mack. When the day of the election comes, Esther is told she has lost by one vote. A recount shows that the election ended in a tie. A flip of a coin makes Esther mayor.