Four of 6 magistrates
have opposition
Some late filers have assured Crittenden County a lively and interesting
political season in 2006.
In the final hours before Tuesday's deadline for party races,
a handful of challengers tossed their hats into the ring. Based
on official filings at the Crittenden County Clerk's office and
the Office of Secretary of State Trey Grayson, Marion and Crittenden
County will have a minimum of 10 contested races in 2006.
There are four races scheduled for the May 16 primary election
and at least a half dozen for the November general election. Non-partisan
races and independents have until August 8 to file.
Across Kentucky, the 2006 election is sure to set a new record
for candidate filings, according to Secretary Grayson. Already
his office in Frankfort has taken in more candidate forms than
ever before. Multi-county and statewide filers must register with
the secretary's office. All local filers do so at county courthouses.
There's nothing like politics to engage the entire community in
discussion and debate and to ignite the flames of patriotism.
Until early this week, it appeared Crittenden County would have
only a taste of contested races. Then, in a final flurry, several
hopefuls came into view. Among the late filers and political newcomers
are four challengers in county magistrate races, Russell Edwards,
Sean Shuecraft, Richard Cruce and James Kurtz. Four of the county's
six magistrates will have opposition in 2006. Incumbents Greg
West, Dan Wood and Helen McConnell will have contested general
election races this fall. Shuecraft will square off against two-term
magistrate Curt Buntin in the May primary.
Only magistrates Percy Cook and Glenn Underdown will have no opposition
this year.
Although there are few contested countywide races, there will
be a primary race for sheriff between incumbent Wayne Agent and
newcomer Nathan Russell of the Irma community.
There will be a primary election for coroner between Brit Gilbert,
the current deputy coroner, and radio station owner Joe Myers.
Myers is also opening a new funeral home in Marion.
Assistant County Attorney Bart Frazer and Rebecca Johnson will
face off in a fall general election for the county attorney post,
which will be vacated this year by long-time counsel Alan Stout.
A handful of constable races are contested this year, too, and
there will be a closely watched non-partisan mayoral race in the
fall between current Mayor Mickey Alexander and long-time Councilman
Mike Byford.
And handful of other non-partisan races may shape into something
by November. There are two school board seats up for grabs this
fall and six at-large city council seats. Candidates for those
offices have until Aug. 8 to file.
CRITTENDEN
COUNTY
CONTESTED RACES
MAY 16 PRIMARY
Crittenden County Sheriff
Wayne Agent (R), Incumbent
Nathan Russell (R)
Crittenden County Coroner
Britt Gilbert (R)
Joe Myers (R)
Magistrate District 2
Curt Buntin (D), Incumbent
Sean Shuecraft (D)
Constable District 5
Eddie Jack Myers (R), Incumbent
Wayne West (R)
NOV. 7 GENERAL ELECTION
Crittenden County Attorney
Bart Frazer (R)
Rebecca Johnson (D)
Marion Mayor (non-partisan race)
Mickey Alexander, Incumbent
Mike Byford
Constable District 3
Roy Todd (D), Incumbent
Chester Brown (R)
Magistrate District 1
Helen McConnell (R), Incumbent
Jimmy Kurtz (D)
Magistrate District 5
Greg West (R), Incumbent
Richard Cruce (D)
Magistrate District 6
Dan Wood (D), Incumbent
Russell Edwards (R)
UNCONTESTED POSITIONS
Judge-Executive
Fred Brown (R) - unopposed
County Clerk Carolyn Byford (R) - unopposed
Circuit Clerk Madeline Henderson (R) - unopposed
County Jailer Rick Riley (R) - unopposed
PVA Ronnie Heady (D) - unopposed
Magistrate District 3 Glenn Underdown (R) - unopposed
Magistrate District 4 Percy Cook (D) - unopposed
Constable District 1 Mickey Brown (D) - unopposed
Constable District 2 Loyd Patton (R) - unopposed
Constable District 4 Billy Arflack (D) - unopposed
Circuit Judge Rene Williams - unopposed (non-partisan)
Family Court Judge William Mitchell - unopposed (non-partisan)
District Judge Tommy Simpson - unopposed (non-partisan)
Commonwealth Attorney - Zac Greenwell (D) - unopposed
UNDETERMINED
Filing deadline on the following races
is not until Aug. 8.
NON-PARTISAN RACES
School Board District 2 (Tina Harris, incumbent, has not yet filed)
School Board District 5 (Phyllis Orr, incumbent, has filed to seek re-election)
City Council (6 at large seats) Incumbents Allen Lynn, Dwight Sherer, Jason Hatfield, Junior Martin and Jim Brown. None have filed yet to seek re-election, but all have told The Press that they plan to do so before the August deadline. Mike Byford will not be able to run because he is seeking the mayoral post.
LIVINGSTON
COUNTY
CONTESTED RACES
MAY 16 PRIMARY CANDIDATES
Coroner
Jeff Armstrong (D)
Greg Woodruff (D)
Magistrate Dist. 1
Terry R. Stringer (D)
Doyle L. Owen (R)
Magistrate Dist. 2
Troy W. Newcomb (D)
Jmes W. Tally (D)
Franklin Walker (D)
Magistrate Dist. 3
William Jerry Deatherage (D)
Larry E. Barnes (D)
Brad Hunter (D)
Jimmy "Brent" Ferrell (R)
Magistrate District 4
Joe Ward (D)
Harry Van Smith (D)
Constable Dist. 1
Dennis K. Jones (D)
Constable Dist. 2
Charles Ronnie Billington (D)
Constable Dist. 3
Jimmy Randolph (D)
Constable Dist. 4
Randy Free (D)
Terry Wayne Cobb (D)
Clarence Griggs (D)
Judge-Executive
Joe O'Bryan (D)
Chris Lasher (D)
Ewin D. Ledbetter (D)
County Attorney
Billy Riley (D
County Clerk
Carroll D. Walker (D)
Circuit Clerk
Cathey D Anglin (D)
Debbie Harp Knoth (D)
Becky Williams Heneisen (D)
Property Valuation Administrator
Sue Ann Carver (D)
Sheriff
Joe Fowler (D)
Tommy Williams (D)
James Anthony Ramge (D)
Paul Birk (D)
John Franklin (D)
Jailer
Benjamin K. "Benji" Guill (D)