Filings open Feb. 23 for 2010 – a year that promises lots of political activity.
Voters will elect six positions in county government. Terms held by Associate Circuit Judge Doug Gaston, a Republican appointed to fill term of Brad Ellsworth who retired; Presiding Commissioner Don Shelhammer, a Republican; Circuit Clerk Phyllis Staley, a Democrat; County Clerk Don Troutman, a Democrat; and Prosecuting Attorney Mike Anderson, a Republican, expire.
A new position will open – recorder of deeds – after the county commission decided to separate the offices of circuit clerk and recorder of deeds. Shelhammer, a Republican, said he will not seek re-election.
Statewide, Missourians will elect a new U.S. senator to replace Republican Christopher “Kit” Bond, who is retiring. Republican U.S. Rep. Roy Blunt and Secretary of State Robin Carnahan, a Democrat, are expected to vie for the seat.
The term of State Auditor Susan Montee, a Democrat, also expires. U.S. Rep. Jo Ann Emerson, a Bootheel Republican, faces a challenge in the August primary from Raymondville resident Bob Parker. The likely Democrat challenger is Tommy Sowers, a Rolla resident who has already raised as much money as Emerson’s challengers over the years.
Texas County’s representatives to the Missouri General Assembly – Don Wells and Tony Dugger – must seek re-election. Both are Republicans. The term of Circuit Judge Mary Sheffield of Rolla also expires.