Election, Primaries Set Tuesday
Many of the candidates seeking election next week have chosen to put an ad in this paper to inform voters and ask for their support. For many races, this is the final vote.
Non-partisan races will be decided Tuesday. In addition, the party nominee for the Republicans and Democrats will be decided. In Jasper County, there are no contested Democratic races. Therefore, most voters will choose a Republican ballot to determine either their county commissioner or their Republican candidate for County Commission and Sheriff.
For example, in District 5, incumbent Alan Cox is being challenged by Doug Luke. Both names are on the Republican ballot, and no Democrat has qualified. So, unless someone decides to run as an independent, whoever wins Tuesday is the commissioner for the next four years.
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Districts 2 and 4 are running for two year terms, so that in the future all county commissioners are not elected at the same time. District two gives voters a choice between Bruce Henry and David Bryant on the Republican ballot. Whoever wins will face incumbent Charles Hill in November.
In District 4, Mary Patrick is not seeking re-election. John Hooseline, Craig Salmon and Lee Simmons are all seeking the Republican nomination. The winner will face Joan Bell in November.
In District 3, incumbent Republican commissioner Jack Bernard is being challenged by H.J. “Skip” Nowetner and Gene Trammell. There is no Democrat candidate, so unless someone qualifies as an independent, whoever wins Tuesday is the commissioner for the next four years.
Thursday, Aug. 2, is the deadline for independent candidates to qualify.
Democrat Commissioner Carl Pennamon represents District 1, and no one qualified to run against him. So, again, unless an independent candidate qualifies, Mr. Pennamon will remain in office for four more years.
Three names are on the Republican ballot for sheriff—Rick Cook, Donnie Pope, and Bob Yarbrough. Whichever one wins will face Democrat Greg Sands and Independent Charles Ledford in November.
In addition, Jasperites can choose the Republican nominee for state Senate. Incumbent Johnny Grant is being challenged by Burt Jones and Robert Kent on the Republican ballot. The winner will face Democrat Darrell Black in November.
