Among those planning to run for the office of Howard County sheriff in 2008 are Pat Carter, currently the lone Democratic candidate, and Charles Morgan and Stan Parker — both having filed to run on the Republican ticket.

Incumbent Dale Walker, who had not yet filed with either party as of this morning, has indicated he plans to seek re-election, and has named a campaign chairman, a legal prerequisite to running for office, according to Howard County Elections Administrator Saundra Bloom.

Walker has run as a Democrat in the past two elections. If Walker files with the Democratic Party, he would face Carter in the March primaries, while Morgan and Parker would vie for the Republican nomination.

The race for the Precinct 3 seat on the Howard County Commissioner’s Court has also drawn a number of hopefuls, as Steve Gray — the most recent candidate to throw his hat in the ring — announced he will be running on the Republican ticket.

Gray will have to face off against a trio of opponents to win the March bid, however, as fellow Republican candidates Winston Paschal Odom, Jimmie Wayne Long and Fred Green are also in the fray.

Incumbent William Crooker announced in late 2007 he would not seek re-election.

The race for the Precinct 1 seat on the commissioner’s court could very well be decided in March, as Democratic challenger Yolanda Mendoza will attempt to unseat fellow Democrat and incumbent Emma Brown in the primaries. There is no GOP candidate at this time.

Howard County Constable Bill Holden has also filed to run for re-election on the Democratic ticket, and while he has yet to draw a party opponent, Kneel B. Stallings has filed to challenge on the Republican card.

County Attorney Mike Thomas has also filed for re-election with the Democratic Party, drawing an opponent in local attorney Joshua Hamby, who filed to run on the Republican ticket.

Howard County Tax Collector and Assessor Kathy Sayles and Justice of the Peace Bennie Green both filed for re-election on the Republican ticket. Neither race has garnered and opponent.

Howard County District Attorney Hardy Wilkerson reported this week he has filed to run for re-election with the state’s Republican office. Wilkerson has not yet drawn a challenger.

Deadline to file for the March primary is 6 p.m. today, according to Bloom. Candidates must file with their respective county party chairman — Margarita Durand-Hollis (264-0973) for the Republicans, and Ro Gore (466-3073) for the Democrats — by the deadline.

Candidates must also file preliminary paperwork with Bloom, who may be contacted at 264-2273.

Contact Staff Writer Thomas Jenkins at 263-7331 ext. 232 or by e-mail at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it