According to Roland Gore, chairman of the local Democratic Party, Howard County Commissioner Gary Simer has filed to run for re-election to the court's Precinct 4 seat, just one of many local elected positions that will be up for grabs in November 2010.

Gore said local business owner Rick Hughes has also filed his candidacy for the March contest, and will be going after the position of Justice of the Peace, Precinct 1 Place 2, currently held by Kathryn Wiseman. Hughes owns and operates the Mr. Scrubbs car wash and lube located on Gregg Street, according to Gore.

“Those are the only two candidates who have actually filed with me at this point,” said Gore. “I've been approached by several other people, including incumbents, and told me they plan to run, but it's not official until they submit their paper work.”

Republican Party Chairman Craig Bailey reported similar progress for the local GOP, with no contested races at this time.

“Everyone who has filed with me at this point in the process has been an incumbent,” said Bailey. “District Clerk Colleen Barton, Justice of the Peace Quail Dobbs, Justice of the Peace Kathryn Wiseman and County Commissioner Precinct 2 Jerry Kilgore have all filed and will run for re-election. Other than that, I really haven't heard much.”

County Treasurer Teresa Thomas said she will be running for re-election for her current office, as will County Clerk Donna Wright, but neither have filed with their party chairman. County Judge Mark Barr has also indicated he plans to run for a second term.

Also up for election in local races will be the U.S. Representative 19th District seat, currently held by Randy Neugebauer (R-Lubbock), and the District 85 Texas Representative seat, currently held by Joe Heflin (D-Crosbyton).

Both Neugebauer and Heflin announced this week they will be running for re-election.

"It is an honor to serve the citizens of my district. I am grateful for the strong bi-partisan support that I have received both from the district and from other members of the legislature," said Heflin after announcing his re-election plans.

At least one incumbent won't be filing to run for re-election in 2010, however, as longtime 118th District Judge Robert H. Moore recently announced he will be stepping down from the bench in November. Big Spring attorney Tim Yeats has already announced he plans to run for the seat on the Republican ticket.

To file candidacy with the Republican party, contact Bailey at 267-2464. To file with the Democratic party, contact Gore at 264-7805. The deadline for local candidates to file is Jan. 24.

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