PORT TOWNSEND — Jefferson County’s election season officially kicks off Monday with the opening of the filing period.
Nine Jefferson County positions are open.
The primary election is Aug. 17. The top two vote-getters in the primary — regardless of party affiliation or incumbency — will move on to the Nov. 2 general election.
The filing period opens at 8:30 a.m. Monday and closes at 4:30 p.m. Friday.
Local candidates will file at the county Auditor’s Office on the second floor of Jefferson County Courthouse, 1820 Jefferson St., Port Townsend.
“They typically come in and file a candidacy declaration form,” explained Karen Cartmel, deputy auditor for election.
The candidates are required to declare their political party preference unless they have no preference, Cartmel said.
At the federal level, Democrat Norm Dicks of Belfair, who has held the 6th Congressional District seat — which includes the North Olympic Peninsula — for 33 years, is up for re-election.
Republicans Doug Cloud and Jesse Young, both of Gig Harbor, have said they plan to challenge him.
Republican Dino Rossi of Sammamish is the most well-known of those who are challenging Democratic U.S. Sen. Patty Murray of Freeland, a three-term incumbent.
Mountlake Terrace chiropractor Sean Salazar dropped out of the race, he said Friday, to support Rossi. Don Benton of Vancouver, Wash., also dropped his bid to support Rossi, The Seattle Times said.
At the state level, Rep. Kevin Van De Wege, D-Sequim, is up for reelection. His colleague in the 24th District, House Majority Leader Lynn Kessler, D-Hoquiam, has announced that she will not run for re-election.
Clallam County Commissioner Steve Tharinger and Port of Port Angeles Commissioner Jim McEntire have announced they plan to run for Kessler’s seat.
Tharinger, a Democrat, and McEntire, a Republican, will be joined in the race by Democrat Jack Dwyer of Montesano and Republican hopeful Larry Carter of Port Ludlow.
Van De Wege is being challenged by Port Angeles real estate broker Dan Gase and Craig Durgan of Port Ludlow, both Republicans.
The 24th District covers Jefferson and Clallam counties and part of Grays Harbor County.
County offices open are:
• Assessor, held by Democratic Jack Westerman III for 31 years, which pays $69,518.88 a year plus benefits. Filing fee is $695.18.
• Auditor, held by Republican Donna Eldridge since 1995, which pays $69,518.88 a year plus benefits. Filing fee is $695.18.
• Superior Court clerk, held by first-term Democrat Ruth Gordon, which pays $69,518.88 a year plus benefits. Filing fee is $695.18.
• Jefferson County commissioner District 3, held by first-term Democrat John Austin of Port Ludlow, which pays $60,195.48 plus benefits. Filing fee is $601.95.
Two challengers have announced their intention to run against Austin: Jim Boyer, a Port Ludlow Republican, and Diane Johnson, a Tarboo Bay Democrat.
• Jefferson County District Court judge, a nonpartisan post held by first-term Judge Jill Landes, which pays $141,710 plus benefits. Filing fee is $1,417.
• Jefferson County sheriff, a post held by Port Ludlow Democrat Tony Hernandez, who plans to run for his first full term after the Jefferson County commissioners appointed him in 2009 to fill the post after Sheriff Mike Brasfield resigned. The position pays $79,788 plus benefits. Filing fee is $797.88.
• Jefferson County treasurer, held by Republican Judi Morris since 1997, which pays $69,518.88 a year plus benefits. Filing fee is $695.18.
• Jefferson County Public Utility District commissioner District 1, held by appointed Commissioner Barney Burke, who is filling the nonpartisan seat left vacant with the death of Dana Roberts last November. The position pays $12,000 a year.
All offices come with 4-year terms, except the PUD commissioner, a six-year term. Filing fees are nonrefundable and candidates have until June 17 to pull out of a race.
Cartmel said after filing, candidates will be posted on the auditor’s website at www.co.jefferson.wa.us/auditor/Default.asp.
Candidates can be notified by e-mail if an opponent files for the same office.
At 4:30 p.m. Friday, candidates will draw lots for their places on the ballot at the county Auditor’s Office.
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Port Townsend-Jefferson County Editor Jeff Chew can be reached at 360-385-2335 or at jeff.chew@peninsuladailynews.com.