Filing for the fall election — and the summer primary in races involving more than two candidates — opened Monday with familiar faces posting their papers.
Every four-year elective office in Clallam County government except for two county commissioner positions is up for grabs.
So are two six-year seats on the Clallam County Public Utility District Commission.
Filings are posted online at www.clallam.net within minutes after a candidate files, county Elections Supervisor Shoona Radon said.
Monday’s candidate filings:
• U.S. Senate: Incumbent Patty Murray, D-Freeland, filed her papers for re-election, as did independent Schalk Leonard of Poulsbo, Republican Norma D. Gruber of Walla Walla, independent James “Skip” Mercer of Bellevue, and a Democrat who goes by one name, Goodspaceguy, of Seattle.
• Congress: Democrat Norm Dicks of Belfair, a 16-term incumbent, is being challenged by Republican Doug Cloud of Tacoma, whom Dicks defeated in 2008 for the two-year, 6th District position.
Both filed papers Monday.
• 24th District state representative: In Position 1, incumbent Democrat Kevin Van De Wege of Sequim filed Monday.
In Position 2, being vacated by the retiring Rep. Lynn Kessler, Republican Jim McEntire of Sequim filed candidacy papers at 8 a.m. Monday.
• Clallam County: Incumbent Sheriff Bill Benedict of Sequim, running for a second term, filed Monday.
So did incumbent Republican Prosecuting Attorney Deb Kelly of Port Angeles, and Democrat Larry Freedman of Sequim to challenge her.
Incumbent Clallam County District Court Judge Rick Porter of Port Angeles filed.
Also filing Monday were incumbent Auditor Patty Rosand and Assessor Pam Rushton, both of Port Angeles.
For county treasurer, Department of Community Development planner Selinda Barkuis of Port Angeles filed Monday.
• Clallam County Public Utility District: Incumbent Will Purser of Sequim filed Monday for seat No. 1 on the PUD commission.
Thirty-three people also filed Monday for party precinct positions.
Candidates can file today through Friday at the elections office in the basement of the county courthouse, 223 E. Fourth St. in Port Angeles, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
In races in which there are more than two candidates, the top two winners regardless of party affiliation or incumbency from an Aug. 17 primary will advance to the Nov. 2 general election.
If only two candidates file, both automatically advance to November.
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Senior Staff Writer Paul Gottlieb can be reached at 360-417-3536 or at paul.gottlieb@peninsuladailynews.com.
