List of possible candidates continues to grow
More names continue to surface as possible candidates in what is shaping up to be some hotly contested elections in 2006 for a variety of offices.
Since qualifying papers will not be available for the upcoming elections until late this fall, the early barometer of candidates is measured by who has established a campaign treasurer. Campaign finance law requires any person receiving or spending money on even a potential run for office, establish a treasurer with the election office. The treasurer is responsible for recording expenditures and collections and for submitting regular reports to the election office.
At present, the office of county court clerk is drawing the most interest, given the recent announcement longtime clerk David Smartt will not seek another term of office.
While Diane Elledge Starkey was first to name a treasurer for a run for the Democratic nomination, two new candidates, both declared as independents, have joined in. They include Samuel H. Walker Jr. and Scott Nelson.
Although independents are ensured of making the general election in August, while Democratic and Republican candidates must win a primary to qualify, all candidates will be required to have their qualifying petitions submitted by the same date, meaning unsuccessful party candidates will not be allowed to jump back into a race after the primary as an independent.
In other races, Anita M. Nunley and Donna Pelham have established treasurers and declared as Democrats. They are seeking the office of trustee as longtime Trustee Joy Slatton has announced her retirement.
In the race for county executive, John M. Pelham has a treasurer and has declared as a Democrat. He will face incumbent County Executive Kenneth Rogers who has announced he will run for re-election.
Philip Clemons has installed a treasurer for a run for District Attorney as a Democrat; however, unlike other candidates, DA and circuit judge candidates must also file with the State Registry since they serve an entire district. He will likely face District Attorney General Dale Potter, an independent, who has declared his intentions to run again.