PORT TOWNSEND — On the eve of the final day of the candidate filing period for this year’s elections, all but three of the 14 Jefferson County races have drawn contests.
There were no candidate filings Thursday.
As of Thursday afternoon, only Assessor Jeff Chapman, 62; Superior Court Clerk Ruth Gordon, 60; and treasurer candidate Stacie Hoskins, 43, had drawn no opposition.
All filed as Democrats.
Filing continues until 4:30 p.m. today at the Jefferson County Courthouse, 1820 Jefferson St.
If more than two candidates file for a position, they will vie in the Aug. 5 primary election, ballots for which will be mailed to registered voters July 16.
The top two vote-getters will compete in the Nov. 4 general election.
Of the 13 candidates filing for county offices, 10 were Democrats, and three had no party preference. No candidate had filed as a Republican.
Republican Party
Jefferson County Republican Chairman Gene Farr said Thursday that the party had talked to several candidates about running for county offices, with no commitment.
“We have talked to a lot of people about running, but at this point, it is not clear if we will have any more people declaring,” Farr said.
Farr said he still expected that Quilcene businesswoman Dena Jones, 58, would file for the treasurer’s position, as she has announced she would.
Jones did not respond to queries about her candidacy Wednesday and Thursday.
Jones is one of three candidates selected by the Republican Party to fill the unexpired term of Judi Morris, who has announced her retirement as of June 30.
The Jefferson County commissioners have not scheduled a time when the selection will be made, but it will probably be in early June, according to County Administrator Philip Morley.
Two county offices have drawn three candidates, guaranteeing a primary contest.
Three candidates filed for District 3 county commissioner: Kathleen Kler, 63, Democrat; Joe Baisch, 66, no party stated; and Dan Toepper, 52, no party stated.
For the Jefferson County Public Utility District, commissioner incumbent Ken McMillen, 81, faces challenges from Kenneth Collins, 67, and Tony DeLeo, 65, for the nonpartisan race.
Two candidates have declared for the position of Jefferson County sheriff.
Democrat David Stanko, 66, of Port Townsend will face Ken Przygocki, 63, of Chimacum, who has no party preference, in this year’s race to succeed Tony Hernandez, who declined to run for a second term.
Two candidates, both Democrats, are in the prosecuting attorney race.
Port Townsend attorney Michael Haas, 53, has challenged incumbent Scott Rosekrans, 64, who filed for a second term.
There is a two-candidate race for auditor, with Rose Ann Carroll, 63, running against Judy Maves-Klatt, 52, to succeed Donna Eldridge, who is retiring. Both Carroll and Maves-Klatt are Democrats.
Two candidates have filed for the county’s sole District Court judge position.
Incumbent Jill Landes is seeking a third term. Former Jefferson County Deputy Prosecutor Cheryl Potebnya is challenging her.
Republican Thomas Greisamer of Moclips in Grays Harbor County is challenging incumbent 24th District state Rep. Steve Tharinger’s bid for a third term.
Fellow Sequim Democrat Kevin Van De Wege also has filed for re-election in the 24th District, which covers Clallam and Jefferson counties and part of Grays Harbor County.
Gig Harbor Republican Marty McClendon and W. “Greybeard” McPherson of Port Angeles have filed against Derek Kilmer, who is seeking re-election to the 6th Congressional District seat.
The North Olympic Peninsula Primary Election Guide, prepared and published by the Peninsula Daily News, will appear in print and online July 18.
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Jefferson County Editor Charlie Bermant can be reached at 360-385-2335 or cbermant@peninsuladailynews.com.
