Area elections taking shape

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While candidates cannot file notice of their intent to run for county office until Monday, two Bingham County men announced that they will challenge Sheriff Dave Johnson, who's seeking a second term.

Former Bingham County Sheriff Dale Holm announced Thursday that he intends to come out of retirement to run for the sheriff's position. Johnson replaced Holm, who served as the county's sheriff for 12 years, three years ago.

Roger Clark, a canine officer with Blackfoot police, also announced last week that he will vie for the sheriff's office.

In Bingham County Commission District 1, Wayne Brower said he will not seek reelection. Chuck Mitchell, Don Hale and Owen Wilmont all announced that they plan to run for that seat.

Cleone Jolley plans to run for a second term on the commission. No one has announced intent to challenge him in District 2.

Prosecutor Scott Andrew also plans to stand for reelection in Bingham County.

In Bannock County, commissioners Lin Whitworth and Steve Hadley will look to defend their seats, as will Prosecutor Mark Hiedeman, who's seeking a third term.

Kim Quick, Bannock County Coroner will also defend his position.

Long-time Caribou County Sheriff Ray VanVleet announced he will retire at the end of his term. No one has announced plans to run for the office.

Caribou County commissioners Doug Hogan in District 1 and Earl Somsen in District 2 will also defend their seats.

Prosecutor Criss James has not announced his intention to run for a third term. James is currently being prosecuted for misuse of public funds, after the Attorney General's Office alleged he dismissed citations in exchange for cash payments, which he said was intended to be used for the Caribou County Fair 5-K Fun Run.

In Onieda County, Commissioner Gerald Goodenough will defend his seat against Cecile Sweeten and Carol Caulford, who have both announced their intent to run.

Sheriff Jeff Semrad will face at least one challenger, Ceylon Reeder, in the May primaries.

Bear Lake commissioners Montain Kunz in District 1 and Demar Romrell, who was appointed to the District 2 seat in February, will defend their commission seats.

Bear Lake County Sheriff Brent Bunn, who has served since 1985, will seek another term in office. So far, no one has announced plans to challenge him.

Prosecutor Ardee Helm indicated he will seek reelection, and Steven Wuthrich and Pocatello attorney Craig Parrish announced they intend to challenge him.

Parrish, who ran against Bannock County Prosecutor Mark Hiedeman in 2004, practices law one day each week in Bear Lake County.

Secretary of State Ben Ysursa said all candidates for federal, state, judicial and county offices must register between March 10-21 in order to be placed on the May 27 primary election ballot.

Partisan candidates may either file a declaration of candidacy and pay a filing fee or submit nomination petitions with signatures from a set number of registered voters. In Bannock County, that number is 10.

Ysursa said independent candidates must file a petition and declaration of candidacy, but no filing fee is required.

BY DEBBIE BRYCE dbryce@journalnet.com

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