Political update, a week before the filing period opens

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Jason Sandford

Jason Sandford is a reporter, writer, blogger and photographer interested in all things Asheville.

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Here’s the latest that we’ve picked up on the grapevine. Filing for elections opens up on Feb. 11. I can’t wait!

State House
Former Asheville City Councilman Edward Hay, who considered a run for the state House seat now held by state Rep. Charles Thomas, will not seek that seat. Thomas has said he won’t seek re-election. That leaves Jane Whilden, the director of the governor’s western residence on Town Mountain, as the only candidate we’ve heard talked about on the Democratic side. No word on what Republican would step in to replace Thomas.

Buncombe County commissioner
The latest is that Bill Stanley will run for re-election alongside Carol Peterson. Commissioner David Young will not seek re-election as he runs for state treasurer, so that seat’s open. And David Gantt is running against Chairman Nathan Ramsey for that chairman’s seat, so that will leave another open seat.

So far, we’ve seen Asheville City Councilwoman Holly Jones, businessman Keith Thomson, former A-B Tech President K. Ray Bailey and former Progress Energy official Vernon Dover announce that they’re running for commissioner on the Democratic ticket. You toss in Stanley and Peterson, also Democrats, so you’ve got six Dems running for four seats. Who will make it out of the primary?

On the Republican side, I haven’t heard a peep. Chad Nesbitt and Don Yelton, where are you guys?

Jason Sandford

Jason Sandford is a reporter, writer, blogger and photographer interested in all things Asheville.

  • 1

1 Comment

  1. Keith Thomson February 3, 2008

    Great coverage of the upcoming races!
    Please check out my website for Keith Thomson for Buncombe County Commissioner:
    http://www.keithforbuncombe.org

    Reply

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