Candidates file for May primary

With the filing deadline for political candidates wishing to appear on the May primary ballots set for 5 p.m. on March 19, candidates were hurrying to fill the necessary petitions. Now it remains for the voters to determine which candidates will move forward to the November general election.

The primary election will narrow the field of candidates as voters cast their ballots for the person who will best represent their party.

For the first time in years, Sheriff Rick Layher will face an opponent in the primary election.

Former Deputy Sheriff Greg Berry will face off against Layher on the Republican ticket for the Elmore County Sheriff's position. No Democrats have declared for the position. Bert A. Landon has filed for the position with the Independent party. His name will not appear on the primary ballot however as he is the only candidate to have filed for the Independent party.

James Alexander is unopposed seeking the Democratic seat for state senator Legislative District 22. The Republican ticket will see Tim Corder Sr., pitted against Marla S. Lawson for the seat.

In Legislative District 22 state representative position A, Bob M. Works will appear on the Democrat ballot, while Rich Wills will be on the Republican ballot.

Bob Stevenson seeks the Democrat nomination for state representative position B in Legislative District 22. Incumbent Pete Nielsen is running on the Republican ticket.

Republicans Jay Brown and Doug C. King will face incumbent Larry Rose for the county commissioner seat for second district. There is no Democratic candidate for the position.

Connie Cruser has filed on the Democratic ballot for county commissioner for the third district. Incumbent Calvin Ireland is unopposed on the Republican ballot for the position.

Aaron Bazzoli is unopposed on the Republican ticket for the Elmore County Prosecuting Attorney. No candidates have announced for the Democrats.

Seeking the office of United States President are Democrats John Kerry, Dennis Kucinich and Al Sharpton. George W. Bush is the sole Republican candidate.

Mike Crapo is alone on the Republican ballot for the U.S. Senate. No Democrat has filed for the position.

Democrat Lin Whitworth has filed for U.S. Representative District 2, while Republican Mike Simpson hopes to retain his seat.

The statewide nonpartisan judicial ballot will see Jim Jones wishing to succeed Wayne L. Kidwell as Supreme Court Justice. Roger S. Burdick wishes to retain his seat on the Supreme Court. Karen Lansing seeks approval to retain her seat as Appellate Court Judge.

Voters are reminded they must register by April 30 to vote in the May primary.