The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
By DAVID GRIMES for The Quill
OQUAWKA - The filing deadline for candidates running for public office in Henderson County was Dec. 15, but only a scant field of contenders has done so, according to Marcella Cisna, county clerk.
"Some may be waiting until later to file, though," Cisna said in reference to a second summer deadline after the March 16 primary.
Candidates who will appear on the primary ballot include only two Democrats - Richard M. Stewart of Gladstone and incumbent Gail Russell of Biggsville - for county board seats.
Five Republicans also will vie for five county board seats. Incumbents Barbara Lumbeck of Oquawka, Tom Doran of Carman, Richard Lutz of Biggsville, Byron Sparrow of Lomax and Danny Gibb of Biggsville will round out the ballot.
Republican incumbents Kris Beals, coroner; Sandra Keane, circuit clerk; and State's Attorney Raymond Cavanaugh will appear on the ballot unchallenged.
County board member George Torrance-R, and chairman Marion "Brownie" Brown-D, whose terms will expire in 2004, will not seek re-election.