Filings hint of contested primary races

SANDPOINT — Contested races appear to be taking shape for this spring’s primary election in Bonner County.

March 8 is the first day candidates can declare their intentions, although three people have already appointed campaign and political treasurers — an indication  of intended candidacy.

None of the candidacies are official until the declarations are filed, however.

Four offices — assessor, clerk, coroner, and treasurer — are up for election, as are two seats on the county commission. Voters will also decide on a 1st District Court judge.

County election clerk records indicate Clark Fork Councilman Russ Schenck is planning to challenge incumbent Commissioner Lewis Rich for the District 3 seat on the board. Both are Republicans, which would set up a contested primary.

Incumbent Assessor Jerry Clemons, a Republican, announced he’s running for another term. He’ll likely face fellow Republican Christine “Tina” Fries Harvey in the primary. Harvey, an appraiser from Sagle, has appointed a political treasurer for her election bid.

Incumbent District 2 Commission Joe Young has also appointed a treasurer for his re-election campaign. Incumbent Treasurer Cheryl Piehl and Clerk/Auditor/Recorder Marie Scott have both indicated they’re running to be re-elected to their respective posts.

District Judge Steve Verby, who’s been on the bench since 2002, is also running in this year’s election.

Incumbent Coroner Kathryn “Kitt” Rose is running again, too.

Once the filing window opens on March 8, candidates have until March 19 to submit their declarations.

The primary election is May 25 and the general is Nov. 2.