Jul 31, 2008

Voters across Missouri will go to the polls next Tuesday to nominate party favorites to continue their campaigns into the November general election. In Douglas County, most races will be decided on Tuesday, as no Democrats are on the primary ballot. Only the race for sheriff will continue into November. The Republican nominee will face W.G. “Bill” Rowe in the general election, as Rowe has already filed as an independent candidate. Seeking the Republican nomination, along with incumbent Sheriff Gary Koop are Jeffrey H. Cooper and Chris Degase. In other county races on Tuesday, District 1 commissioner Richard Mitchell is being challenged by Dwayne E. Nash and Clyde Irby. District 2 commissioner Danny Dry is challenged for his position by Bob Berry, Jerry L. Carr, Mike Prock and Boyd R. Hall. Assessor Danny Gray faces challenger Gerald (Jerry) Kyle in the Republican primary on Tuesday. Seeking the office of Douglas County Recorder of Deeds are Tina Boyd, Holly Garner and Drevis Burke. This is a new position in Douglas County, with the recorder’s office being separated from that of circuit clerk. Public Administrator Linda Coonts and Coroner Mark Pearson are each unopposed in Tuesday’s election. In district races, three candidates are vying for the Republican nomination for state representative in the 144th District. Lillard (Del) Davis, Tony Dugger and Anthony Kelly are the Republican candidates, and the winner will face Democrat Dennis Lee Chilton in November. Republican incumbent Jo Ann Emerson is unopposed for the nomination as U.S. Representative in Congress in District 8 and will face Democratic challenger Joe Allen in November. In statewide races, Sarah Steelman and Kenny Hulshof are the clear frontrunners in the race for the Republican nomination for governor, but other Republicans in the race include Scott Long and Jennie Lee (Jen) Schwartze Sievers. Likewise, on the Democratic ticket, Attorney General Jeremiah (Jay) Nixon appears to have his party’s nomination for governor wrapped up, although Daniel Carroll is also a candidate. Republican candidates for lieutenant governor include Peter Kinder, Paul Douglas Sims and Arthur Hodge Sr. Democratic candidates are Sam Page, Michael E. Carter, Richard Charles Tolbert, Becky L. Plattner, Mary Williams and C. Lillian Metzger. Republican candidate for secretary of state is Mitchell (Mitch) Hubbard. He will face Democratic incumbent Robin Carnahan in November. Brad Lager is unopposed for the Republican nomination for state treasurer. Democratic candidates are Mark Powell, Clint Zweifel, Andria Danine Simckes and Charles B. Wheeler. Mike Gibbons is unopposed for the Republican nomination for attorney general. Democratic candidates are Chris Koster, Margaret Donnelly, Jeff Harris and Molly Williams. Libertarian candidates on the primary ballot include: for governor, Andrew W. Finkenstadt; for lieutenant governor, Teddy Fleck; for secretary of state, Wes Upchurch; and for U.S. Representative, Branden C. McCullough. Local voters will also see more races than normal within individual townships this year. All township committeeman and committee-woman races are on the Republican ballot. For Benton Township committeewoman Bonita Stafford is challenged by Patricia Davis. In Lincoln Township, candidates for committeeman are Loy Heinlein and William B. Cardin. For committeewoman in Lincoln Township, Jeanne Heinlein and Jeanette Cardin. In Jackson Township, committeeman candidates are Fred Follis and Christopher S. Deatherage. For committeewoman in Jackson Township, candidates are Joan M. Follis and Gloria R. Deatherage. In McMurtrey Township, committeeman candidates are Wayne Griswold and Roger Wall. Committeewoman candidates are Sybil Gheer and Susan Griswold. Polls on Tuesday will open at 6 a.m. and close at 7 p.m. A complete list of all polling places, as well as candidates whose names will appear on the ballot, can be found inside the Herald this week.