Local political races draw more interest
The crowded races got even more crowded while some incumbents are still waiting to see if they will have any competition in the upcoming 2006 elections.
“They’re getting started early this year,” said Election Administrator Donna Yates of the ground swell of candidates considering a run for office. “We’ve issued around 40 qualifying papers for various offices in the first two weeks.”
To qualify, candidates must pick up qualifying papers, get the signatures of 25 registered Warren County voters and return them by qualifying deadline Feb. 16 at noon. While picking up qualifying papers does not necessarily mean a run for office, a vast majority of those who go to the trouble of picking up papers have historically qualified for the ballot.
The latest round of potential qualifiers saw a familiar challenger for three-term incumbent Sheriff Jackie Matheny as his former deputy, Michael (Doc) Smith picked up papers as an Independent. Matheny is seeking a fourth term as a Democrat. Smith made an unsuccessful bid to unseat Matheny four years ago.
While the sheriff’s race is a two-man race thus far, the county court clerk race has nearly reached double digits with nine people eyeing a run for the job being vacated by retiring clerk David Smartt. Those include Robert Brennon Brock (D), Rickey Elkins (D), Larry E. Terry (D), Chuck Mayfield (D), Diane Elledge Starkey (D), Michael Neal (R), Scott Nelson (I), Sammy H. Walker (I), and Lesa M. Scott(I).
In the meantime, Register of Deeds Terry K. Smith, Circuit Court Clerk Bernie Morris, Road Superintendent Harold Glenn, General Sessions Judge Larry Ross, Public Defender Dan Bryant and Circuit Judge Bart Stanley have all picked up papers and are yet to see any opposition.
The race for county executive has picked up no new prospects as incumbent Kenneth Rogers is looking at competition from fellow Democrats Hackett Lance and John M. Pelham.
The trustee’s race to take the place of retiring Trustee Joy Slatton gained a participant as Kim Broom picked up papers to run as an Independent. The other three potential competitors, Darlene Reagan Bryant, Anita M. Nunley and Donna Pelham will run as Democrats.
Meanwhile, District Attorney General Dale Potter, making a bid for a sophomore term as prosecutor, saw his field grow. Picking up papers for DA was the man Potter beat for the job eight years ago, former District Attorney Bill Locke who wants his old job back. However, to win a rematch with Potter, Locke may have to hold back to political newcomers Lisa Zavogiannis and Phillip Terry Clemons.
There were several potential candidates picking up papers for one of the 24 county commission spots. They include Thomas Brady (2nd District, R); Marty McGinnis (2nd I); Ken Martin (3rd D); George Smartt (3rd D); Edwin Hershell Madewell (3rd R); Teddy D. Boyd (4th D); Bobby E. Turner (4th D); Bill Yancy (5th D); Wanda (Tammie) Gribble (7th D); Miles Snider (7th D); Herbert L. Wright (7th D); Danice Taylor (8th D); William D. Studer (9th D).