Several incumbent Davis County Republican officeholders are facing challenges this year as candidates continue to file for school board, county, and legislative seats.
The filing period opened a week ago and runs through 5 p.m. April 16.As announced, former Kaysville Mayor Gerald Purdy filed Wednesday for the four-year County Commission post currently held by Dub Lawrence of Centerville. Lawrence has not announced if he will seek re-election.
The other commission seat on the ballot, held by incumbent William Peters, Bountiful, has attracted the attention of former state Sen. Jack Bangerter, also of Bountiful. Bangerter filed Tuesday; Peters has not announced his decision yet.
Bountiful Republican James M. Rushworth has filed for the combined clerk-auditor post, challenging incumbent clerk Margene Isom. Auditor Ruth Kennington would also have to file for the combined office but has not announced her intentions, either.
Jerry Wilson, Layton, a deputy in the county assessor's office, has filed as a Republican for the county treasurer's job, coming open with the retirement this term of incumbent Pauline McBride. Kaysville banker Mark Altom has also filed for the post and a Clearfield Republican, Dr. Michael Porter, has announced he is running but has not filed yet.
Sen. Haven Barlow, R-Layton, who has set a tenure record with more than 30 years in the state Legislature, filed to run again for his District 22 seat. He is being challenged for the GOP nomination by former Farmington councilman Don Redd.
The District 17 seat in the state House held by Rep. Walt Bain, R-Farmington, is sought by Kaysville Republican Clyde F. Marx, who filed Wednesday. Bain has indicated he will run again but hasn't filed.
Also filing for re-election are incumbents Sen. David H. Steele, R-West Point, for District 21; Rep. Kim R. Burningham, R-Bountiful, for District 19; and Rep. Stan Smedley, R-Bountiful, for District 18. None face challenges from any fellow Republicans yet.
Incumbent Davis school board member Louenda Downs, Layton, filed to run again for her Precinct 4 seat. She is being challenged in the non-partisan race by Jan Moore, also of Layton.