Ashvegas Political Hit List Extra: Now its Wood, Gunter, Owen, Van Duyn for Nesbitt’s open seat

Here’s the latest on the hot Buncombe County Democratic Party race for who will serve out N.C. Sen. Martin Nesbitt’s unexpired term:

Charlie Owen and Michelle Pace Wood are running for the seat, according to insiders. They join Terry Van Duyn and Veronika Gunter, who declared their candidacies this week. Buncombe County Commissioner Holly Jones stepped aside and has thrown her support behind Gunter. Former judge Dennis Winner has also reportedly stepped aside.

Wood is a small business owner who ran unsuccessfully two years ago for a seat on the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners. Owen is a well known in the community for his work and his connection to the family-owned Owen Manufacturing.