Three-way race for County Commissioner

POMEROY–The August 4 Primary Election will narrow a three-candidate field for Garfield County Commissioner Position 1 following the recently completed Filing Week, with incumbent Commissioner Wynne McCabe seeking re-election with a challenger.

Three Republican candidates, Vonni (Vonda) Mulroney, P. Ernest Kimble and Jim Nelson, have filed for Position 1, which is currently held by Robert K. Johnson, who announced earlier this year that he would not run for another term. The top two vote getters in the Primary Election will advance to the November 3 General Election.

District 3 Commissioner Wynne McCabe, who states no party preference, is being challenged by Larry Ledgerwood, who also listed no party preference, for the four-year term.

Recently appointed Auditor McKenzie Lueck also filed for election to the auditor’s post. Lueck stated no party preference.

There is also a three-way contest for Superior Court Judge for Garfield, Columbia and Asotin counties. Filing for the seat were Brooke J. Burns of Clarkston, G. Scott Marinella of Dayton and R. Victor Bottomly of Clarkston. The position is currently held by Judge Scott D. Gallina, who is on administrative leave pending trial on allegations of sexual misconduct, and being filled by judges and court commissioners from nearby jurisdictions.

Ninth District legislators will also have challenges to re-election. Republican Sen. Mark G. Schoesler of Ritzville filed for re-election and will be challenged by Democrat Jenn Goulet of Pasco.

For State Representative Position 1, currently held by Mary Dye of Pomeroy, Dye will face Libertarian Brett Borden of Pullman. Position 2 incumbent, Republican Rep. Joe Schmick of Colfax is unopposed.

U.S. Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-5th-Spokane) has four candidates–a Republican, two Democrats and an Independent–who will vie for advancement to the General Election after the Primary. Other candidates who filed to opposed incumbent McMorris Rodgers were Chris Armitage, who prefers the Democratic Party, of Spokane Valley; Brendan O’Regan, who prefers the Independent Party, of Seattle; Stephen T. Major, who prefers the Republican Party, Spokane Valley; and Dave Wilson, who prefers the Democratic Party, of Spokane.

State Supreme Court candidates are:

Position 3: Dave Larson, Federal Way and Rauel Montoya-Lewis, Seattle.

Position 4: Charles W. Johnson, Tumwater.

Position 6: G. Helen Whitener, Seattle and Richard S. Serns, Winlock.

Position 7: Debra L. Stephens, Seattle.