Archives > Plano Star-courier > News
Print
E-mail
Comment
Rate
RSS
Share
Candidates begin process of seeking party nominations
By Bill Conrad, bconrad@acnpapers.com
Even with uncertainty surrounding the state's redistricting process, candidates are beginning to file for spots on the March primary ballot. Filing opened Monday and continues through Dec. 15.
The Collin County delegation in Austin will be considerably different in 2013 since long-time incumbents Florence Shapiro (Senate District 8) and Jerry Madden (House District 67), who were first elected in 1992, have announced their intentions to retire. Their seats are expected to draw considerable interest from both Republicans and Democrats.
Candidates have only filed for three of the five state House districts in Collin County. Madden's former seat has drawn the most interest, with three Republican's filing already: John Pitchford, Roger Burns and Jeff Leach.
No one has filed in House District 66, currently held by Republican Van Taylor, of House District 3, a new district encompassing portions of Frisco, as well as northern Collin County and Rockwall County. While no one has filed in these seats, Taylor is expected to seek re-election and several candidates have announced their intention to run for District 3.
Shapiro's old seat has also drawn interest, although only one candidate has filed as of Friday morning, Scott O'Grady, a Republican. Craig Estes, the incumbent in Senate District 30, represents a small portion of the county and has also filed to seek re-election.
Collin County is home to two U.S. House seats, District 3 held by Sam Johnson and District 4 held by Ralph Hall. No one has filed for District 3, while Republicans Lou Gigliotti and John Cooper have filed in District 4. No Democrats have filed for either seat.
Several other Republicans have filed papers to appear on the primary ballot in other Collin County races. Incumbents Mark Rusch of the 401st District Court and Chris Oldner of the 416th District Court have filed papers, as has Terri Green in the 380th District Court. Chuck Ruckel has filed for Justice of Peace precinct 3-1, replacing Johnny Lewis who is not seeking re-election.
Chris Hill will be a candidate for County Commissioner Precinct 3, a position currently held by Joe Jaynes who is retiring.
Two law enforcement officials have also filed to seek the Republican nomination, with Terry Box filing for the sheriff's position and Cesare Venegoni filing for the Precinct 4 constable seat.
The following are comments from the readers.
In no way do they represent the view of Starlocalnews.com
In no way do they represent the view of Starlocalnews.com
You must register with a valid email to post comments.
Only your Member ID will be posted with the comments.
Only your Member ID will be posted with the comments.
Registered users sign in here:
Become a Registered User
- Return to: News «
- Home «
- Top of Page ^
