Five file for Cape County presiding commissioner on first day of election filings

On the first day filing for Cape Girardeau County offices Tuesday, the position that attracted the most candidates was presiding commissioner. Out of 14 candidates who filed, five entered that race.

Except Democrat Janet Robert, an incumbent seeking the office of recorder of deeds, all the candidates filed as Republicans for the primary. The general election is Nov. 2.

Robert, who is seeking her ninth term in office, said she expected more candidates to file early Tuesday.

"In the past I could remember people lining up in the hallways and needing chairs to accommodate them," Robert said. "I heard that some people even camped out."

Before 2000, candidates stood in long lines for a chance to be listed first on the ballot. Now candidates filing on the first day are placed through a lottery system. Through the rest of the filing period, candidates' names will be placed on the ballot in the order filed.

Pete Frazier, a Cape Girardeau Central High School assistant principal who drew number 26, expressed excitement about being the first in line.

"By being here this early I hope it shows a commitment to this position," he said. "This campaign will be a wonderful experience to find out the true troubles of the county so we can help the citizens."

Frazier is one of two candidates running for auditor. He will face county commission assistant Robb McClary, who has overseen budgets as a city administrator or city manager in six cities, including Park Hills, Mo., and Flat River, Mo. Current Auditor David Ludwig does not plan to seek a new term.

Those filing for presiding commissioner were Chris Hutson, a financial adviser for Edward Jones; Clint Tracy, a state representative in the 158th Missouri House District; Stephen Daume, a Daisy dairy farmer; Charles Brawley, a former member of the Cape Girardeau Fire Department; and Doyle Parmer, town clerk for Dutchtown.

"Whoever wins will have big shoes to fill," Brawley said of Presiding Commissioner Gerald Jones, who is not seeking re-election after serving in the position since 1995.

Another official choosing not to place his name on the ballot is Circuit Clerk Charles Hutson, who will not seek his 10th term in office. He is the father of Chris Hutson. Filing to replace Charles Hutson is Patti Wibbenmeyer, chief deputy since 1999.

Other county offices on the ballot include collector, county clerk and party central committee men and women and prosecuting attorney. Associate circuit judge seats are also on the ballot.

Filing continues through March 30 in the clerk's office, 1 Barton Square in Jackson. The office closes each day at 4:30 p.m., with the exception of 5 p.m. on the final filing day.

County Clerk Kara Clark Summers, who is finishing her first term in the office, said the turnout was what she expected.

"I think many of the candidates who said they'd file did so Tuesday," Summers said. "But as in the past I'm confident we'll see some stragglers."

bblackwell@semissourian.com

388-3628

Candidate filings

The following people filed Tuesday for federal, state and county offices from Southeast Missouri. Filing continues until March 30. Filing for state and federal offices takes place at the Missouri secretary of state's office in Jefferson City. Filing for county offices takes place at the county clerk's office in each county.

Note: (i) denotes incumbent. Party is (D) for Democrat, (R) for Republican

U.S. Congress, 8th District

Tommy Sowers (D)

Bob Parker (R)

State representative

106th District

(i) Steven Tilley (R)

156th District

(i) Shelley Keeney (R)

157th District

Donna Lichtenegger (R)

Gerald Adams (R)

158th District

Debra Tracy (R)

Wayne Wallingford (R)

159th District

Bill D. Burlison (D)

(i) Billy Pat Wright (R)

160th District

(i) Ellen Brandom (R)

161st District

(i) Steve Hodges (D)

Ron McCormick (R)

Cape Girardeau County

Presiding commissioner

Charles Brawley (R)

Doyle Parmer (R)

Clint Tracy (R)

Chris Hutson (R)

Stephen Daume (R)

Circuit clerk

Patti Wibbenmeyer (R)

Recorder of deeds

(i) Janet Robert (D)

County clerk

(i) Kara Clark Summers (R)

Prosecuting attorney

(i) Morley Swingle (R)

Auditor

Pete Frazier (R)

Robb McClary (R)

Collector

(i) Diane Diebold (R)

Associate circuit judge, Division III

(i) Gary A. Kamp (R)

Associate circuit judge, Division IV

Scott Lipke (R)

Perry County

Presiding commissioner

(i) Carl Lueckel Jr. (R)

Richard A. Schemel (R)

Circuit clerk

(i) Becky Paulus (R)

Recorder of deeds

(i) Susan Oster (R)

County clerk

(i) Randy Taylor (R)

Prosecuting attorney

(i) Thomas Hoeh (R)

Collector

(i) Richard Richardet (R)

Treasurer

(i) Veronica Hershey (R)

Brian Brickhaus (R)

Associate circuit judge, Division 6

(i) Michael J. Bullerdieck (R)

Jason A. Tilley (R)

Scott County

Presiding commissioner

(i) Jamie Burger (D)

Circuit clerk

(i) Christy Hency (D)

Recorder of deeds

(i) Tom Dirnberger (D)

County clerk

(i) Rita Milam (D)

Prosecuting attorney

(i) Paul Boyd (D)

Collector

(i) Mark Hensley (D)

Associate circuit judge, Division 4

(i) W.H. Winchester III (D)

Associate circuit judge Division 5

(i) Scott T. Horman (D)

Bollinger County

Presiding commissioner

Kenny Trentham (D)

Albert D. Cantrell Sr. (R)

Circuit clerk

Cindy Yount (D)

Jeaneal Vandeven (R)

Tina Broshius-Nenninger (R)

County clerk

(i) Diane Holzum (R)

Treasurer

(i) Naomi Null, (R)

Collector

(i) Bob Anderson (D)

Recorder of deeds

(i) Dana Fulbright (R)

Pertinent address:

1 Barton Square, Jackson, MO