Dateline: January 8, 2004

Shields, Lindley face election challenges

By Roger Estlack, Clarendon Enterprise

Voters won’t have many choices to make for local offices when they go to the polls this November.

Filing for county positions closed at the Clerk’s Office last Friday, and only two incumbents drew challengers.

The race for Donley County Tax Assessor/Collector is the only countywide office with more than one candidate. Incumbent Democrat Wilma Lindley will face a challenge from Republican Vicky Tunnell for that position.

In Precinct 3, voters will have a chance to reconsider the 2000 election. Former commissioner Andy Wheatley, a Republican, has filed to take back his old office from Democrat Henry “Buster” Shields, who won the job four years ago.

Wheatley, who was elected to the Donley County Hospital District Board last May, has resigned his position there, according to a local Republican Party official. A hospital district official said that board would likely be appointing a replacement for Wheatley soon.

Local incumbents running unopposed this year are Sheriff Charles “Butch” Blackburn, Jr. (D), Commissioner Pct. 1 Ernest Johnston (D), and Constable Pct. 3&4 Mike Wallendorff (D).

Also of local interest, 100th Judicial District Attorney Stuart Messer (R) and 100th Judicial District Judge David McCoy (D) have filed for their respective offices, and neither has drawn an opponent from a major political party.

Clarendon’s own Mac Thornberry (R) has filed again to run for his District 13 Congressional seat. He is currently serving his fifth term in the US House of Representatives. He did not draw a Democratic opponent for this election.

State Sen. Robert L. Duncan (R-Lubbock) is seeking re-election to represent District 28, which includes Donley County; and State Rep. Warren Chisum (R-Pampa) is asking voters for another term representing District 88, which also includes Donley County. Neither men will face a challenge in either the primary or the general election..

The Democratic and Republican primaries will be held on Tuesday, March 9, 2004. Donley County Democratic Chair Jean Taylor has told the Enterprise she will continue in her position. County Republican Chair Karla Devin is filling the unexpired term of Rogers Hester and said she will be seeking a full term in that position.

The General Election will be held Tuesday, November 2, 2004.