Dateline: January 10, 2008

Election draws several contested races

By Roger Estlack, Clarendon Enterprise

Donley County voters will have several contested races to decide during this year’s elections.

With last Wednesday’s filing date past, two county commissioners have drawn opponents for November, and Democratic voters have one locally contested position to decide this spring.

Clarendon Mayor Mark White is challenging incumbent Democrat Ernest Johnston for the title of Pct. 1 County Commissioner. City Hall said White is not required by state law to resign his current position unless he is elected.

Pct. 3 Commissioner Andy Wheatley, a Republican, drew a Democratic opponent for his job. He is being challenged by Henry Stephens.

Pct. 3&4 Constable Tony Sellers will go head-to-head with challenger Ralph Graves in the March Democratic Primary.

Also of local interest, District Attorney Stuart Messer has filed as a Republican for the seat of 100th District Judge. That position is currently held by Democrat David McCoy, who also filed for reelection and is currently under indictment on two felony charges for Theft by a Public Servant and Abuse of Official Capacity. Messer’s office is not prosecuting the case against McCoy.

Wellington Democrat Luke Inman has filed for the district attorney’s office.

One local office – that of County Attorney – did not draw any candidates. Incumbent Republican Landon Lambert chose not to run for reelection.

Other candidates did not draw opposition. Those include Sheriff Butch Blackburn (D), Pct. 1&2 Justice of the Peace Connie Havens (D), and Linda Crump (R), who is running for Tax Assessor/Collector.

US Rep. Mac Thornberry (R) and State Rep. Warren Chisum (R) are also running for reelection this year. Thornberry is being challenged by Democrat Roger Waun.

Early primary voting begins February 19 and continues through February 29. Primary elections will be held Tuesday, March 4, throughout Texas.

The general election will be Tuesday, November 4.