Bastrop, Tx–Bastrop County Democrats who hold elective offices are lining up to seek another term in next year’s elections, and few challengers are on the horizon so far–either Democrats or Republicans.
Bastrop County Judge Ronnie McDonald, County Court at Law Judge Benton Eskew, County Clerk Rose Pietsch, Treasurer Kathy Schroeder and District Court Clerk Cathy Smith–all Democrats–have filed papers to place their names on ballots in the March party primaries. Others seeking Democratic Party endorsement in 2010 include incumbents Pct. 2 Justice of the Peace Raymah Davis, Pct. 3 Justice of the peace Kathy Hanna and Pct. 4 Justice of the Peace Larry Dunne. None have opponents from any party so far.
Donald “Dickie” Henderson has filed as a Democrat to seek the Pct. 1 Justice of the Peace position. Incumbent Pct. 1 JP Bill Weddle said today he probably won’t file until Jan. 4, the last day to get his name on the party primary ballot.
Donna Van Gilder is also seeking the JP 1 post on the GOP ticket, and she remains the only official Republican candidate in Bastrop County so far. GOP incumbents Pct. 2 County Commissioner Clara Beckett and District Attorney Bryan Goertz are expected to run again, but neither have filed with party officials, said Republican Party Chair Albert Ellison.
In an interview today Ellison said he expects more Republican challengers to step forward before the filing deadline.
No one to date has filed for the Pct. 4 County Commissioner seat currently held by veteran Democrat Lee Dildy who is widely expected to run again. Michael Flowers has indicated he may challenge Dildy in the Democratic Primary next March.