I just returned from the Jefferson County Republican Assembly, and have some interesting developments to report for the political insiders. The following candidates made it onto the primary ballot:

State Senate
SD 20 - Dick Sargent was recruited at the last minute to challenge Moe Keller.
SD 21 - Rep. Matt Knoedler announced his candidacy today and won the only spot on the ballot, beating out former Rep. Penn Pfiffner.
SD 22 - In a four-way race, only three candidates pursued a ballot spot through the Assembly. Mike Kopp was the only candidate to win a spot on the ballot. Justin Everett bypassed the process and will petition on. Rumors suggest that current Senator Kiki Traylor, who was appointed by a vacancy committee to replace retiring Senator Norma Anderson, will also seek to petition onto the ballot.

State House
HD 22 - In Knoedler’s absence, the decision to select a candidate was recessed.
HD 23 - Pat Holloway edged former Rep. Ramey Johnson for top line on the ballot in a contested primary.
HD 24 - Once again, no Republican challenger for Rep. Cheri Jahn.
HD 25 - Rep. Rob Witwer, appointed to fill his dad’s seat, won unanimous support to get on the ballot.
HD 26 - Glenn Rhoades will be the Republican candidate.
HD 27 - Rep. Bill Crane was selected by acclimation.
HD 28 - Rep. Jim Kerr fended off a challenge from Michael Rooney, who has announced his intention to petition onto the ballot.
HD 29 - Affie Ellis, her speech one of the Assembly’s highlights, will be the Republican candidate and will have a decent shot to unseat incumbent Rep. Debbie Benefield.

Jefferson County Offices
Clerk & Recorder - Pam Anderson
Treasurer - Current Clerk Faye Griffin edged her way onto the ballot for a primary challenge of incumbent Treasurer Mark Paschall; Griffin netted 220 votes, just above the 30% mark of 218
Sheriff - Ted Mink
Assessor - Jim Everson
Surveyor - Diana Askew
Coroner - Dr. Richard Dial

Just a little bit of an insider’s scoop….