Early to rise, early to file for incumbents

Editor's note: The following story has been edited to correct the spelling of Sonya Fulton. Jared W. Kutz filed for county clerk.

Of the nine incumbents to file for Cape Girardeau County offices Tuesday, only two have a declared opponent so far.

Drew Blattner, assistant director for the Cape Girardeau County Archive Center, was the first nonincumbent to file Tuesday morning. He will run against Scott R. Clark, who seeks a second term as recorder of deeds. Both men filed as Republicans for the primary election, which will be Aug. 5.

In a news release sent Tuesday afternoon that announced Clark's candidacy, he said his first term was devoted to "making key improvements to the office that have enhanced efficiency, convenience and customer service for those who utilize the Recorder's services," and he is seeking re-election to continue improving services.

Jeff Dix was the only other nonincumbent to file Tuesday. The area lawyer declared his intention last weekend to run for Division III associate circuit judge. Gary Kamp, his opponent, has held the position since 1994.

Many candidates come to the county clerk's office to fill out the required paperwork on the first day of filing because they can participate in a random drawing to determine what order their names will appear on the ballot. Those who arrive later in the filing period are placed on the ballot in the order they file.

Among the first in line was Cape Girardeau County Prosecuting Attorney Christopher Limbaugh, who has held the position since January 2013 when he was appointed to replace Morley Swingle. He drew number 29, falling almost squarely in the middle of the numbers 1 through 50 placed in the lottery barrel.

"Well, I drew my age, so maybe that's a good sign," Limbaugh said.

Although he was the only person to declare candidacy for the position as of Tuesday morning, Limbaugh said he found it important to show up early.

"I think it's important to always try to treat this as if someone is going to run against you," said Limbaugh.

Scott Lipke was the first candidate filing for a judge position to arrive for early morning filing. Like Limbaugh, Lipke is an incumbent who so far has no opposition. The Division IV associate circuit judge said he was excited and looking forward to serving the community if he was re-elected.

For now, Lipke said his plan is to "just keep doing my job. ... if another candidate files, then I'll campaign, but I'm just going to keep working hard."

Cape Girardeau County clerk Kara Clark Summers, who also filed Tuesday to serve another term in her position, said she expected to see more people show up that morning. But the switch from first-come, first-serve to the random lottery gives candidates an opportunity to file at a time convenient for them, she added.

"Many of them may have other commitments, and they know with the lottery system there's no rush to be here," Clark Summers said.

She said she expected more candidates to arrive in the afternoon, but only three filed after 9 a.m.

By the end of the first day of filing, only Republicans had declared their candidacy. Filing closes March 25.

In Jefferson City, filing also began for state offices. The ballot will include all eight of the state's U.S. House seats and all 163 Missouri House seats. According to The Associated Press, U.S. Rep. Jason Smith was among the first to file for re-election Tuesday morning.

Also on the ballot will be circuit judge for Circuit No. 32, Division 1 after Judge William Syler, who has held the position for more than two decades, announced in January his plans to retire. So far, three candidates have declared their intentions to run for the position.

Scott County

Filing for election were Rita Milam, county clerk; Tara Mason, recorder; Mark Hensley, collector; Christy M. Hency, circuit clerk; Glenda Kay Enderle, treasurer; Paul R. Boyd, prosecuting attorney; Hense Winchester, associate judge Division IV; and Scott T. Horman, associate judge, Division V. Also filing for presiding commissioner were Jamie Burger and Will Yates.

Perry County

In Perry County, nine Republicans filed for office. Kathy Schumer and Brian Charles Brickhaus filed for the treasurer post; Jared W. Kutz filed for county clerk; Carl "Topper" Leucke filed for presiding commissioner; Jason A. Tilley filed for associate circuit judge; Beckey A. Paulus filed for circuit clerk; Dana (Ballman) Pritchard will run for recorder of deeds; Rodney J. Richardet filed for collector; and Thomas L. Hoeh filed for prosecuting attorney. Craig Brewer has filed a petition to run as an Independent for associate circuit judge.

Bollinger County

Seven candidates filed Tuesday morning. Filing for re-election were Travis Elfrink, presiding commissioner; Scott Thomsen, associate circuit judge; Naomi Null, treasurer; Jeaneal Vandeven, circuit clerk; and Dana Fulbright, recorder. Filing for election for the first time are Sonya Fulton for collector, Brittany Hovis for county clerk and Heath Robins for prosecutor. All are Republicans.

Staff writers Nancy Hadler, Samantha Kluesner and Banner Press editor Linda Redeffer contributed to this report.

srinehart@semissourian.com

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First day of filing candidates, Cape Girardeau County

• Diane Diebold -- collector of revenue
• Pete Frazier -- county auditor
• Patti Wibbenmeyer -- circuit clerk
• Kara Clark Summers -- county clerk
• Chris Limbaugh -- prosecuting attorney
• Scott R. Clark -- recorder of deeds
• Drew Blattner -- recorder of deeds
• Scott Lipke -- associate circuit judge, Division IV
• Jeff Dix -- associate circuit judge, Division III
• Gary Kamp -- associate circuit judge, Division III
• Clint Tracy -- presiding commissioner