By Rich Flowers News Editor
With less than a week to go before the end of the 2010 primary filing period, Henderson County Republicans have contested races for four offices. The filing window closes Monday afternoon.
County Republican Chairman Don Geddy said the GOP has added new candidates for District Clerk, Justice of the Peace Precinct 3 and Justice of the Peace Precinct 4 within the past week. The Republicans already had a head-to-head battle shaping up for County Judge, and a challenge for Precinct 3 JP incumbent Sue Starnes.
Amiee Freeman, who had previously announced for District Clerk, made it official Tuesday, joining Jean Godwin the March 2 primary. Freeman is a Deputy District Clerk while Godwin coordinates court, and performs other duties in County Judge David Holstein’s Office.
Loyd “Pokey” Massey, of Brownsboro, has entered the field for Precinct 3 JP, where the retired prison warden will challenge incumbent Sue Starnes. Starnes, who has held the post since 1987, is also challenged by Danny Bristow, a retired Tyler fireman. Tommy Barnett in Precinct 5 and Milton Adams in Precinct 6, are so-far unopposed in their re-election bids.
Two Republicans are running for JP 4, a seat held since 1986 by Democrat Sue Tarrant. Tire and wrecker service owner Kelly Harris of LaRue has entered, along with Steve Gullekson of the Frankston area, who owns a trucking company.
County Judge filees include Richard Sanders, who lost to Holstein in the 2002 Republican Primary and Charles Curtis, a Henderson County native, is a retired educator and former school superintendent. Curtis lost to Holstein in November, 2006 by about 1,600 votes.
The remainder of the Republican candidates are unopposed. Dan Moore of the 173rd District Court, County Court at Law No. 2 Judge Nancy Perryman and Long-time County Court at Law No.1 Judge Matt Livingston are each seeking four more years.
Precinct 2 Commissioner Wade McKinney, is so-far unchallenged, as are Treasurer Michael Bynum and County Clerk Gwen Moffeit.
Democrat Chairman Marsha Head said she will be at the new party headquarters at 100 E. Corsicana St. until 6 p.m. Monday, for last-minute filers.
Democrats who have filed to-date include incumbent Precinct 4 County Commissioner Jerry West. West, was first elected in 1994, and has represented the county on the East Texas Council of Governments.
Precinct 1 JP Henry Ashford has filed to keep the seat he has held since Bill Burton stepped down. Precinct 4 JP Sue Tarrant, will be on the ballot for a seventh term.
Longtime County Surveyor Jack Ward, who usually draws no opposition, is also seeking another term.
Bill Burton of Athens has entered the Democratic Primary for Land Commissioner in an attempt to unseat Republican Jerry Patterson.
