So far, three people will seek election to Lawrence County’s Board of Commissioners.

Friday, January 11, 2002

So far, three people will seek election to Lawrence County’s Board of Commissioners.

Filers for the commission race primary, as of 11 a.m. Thursday, were Republican Jim Coleman, incumbent Republican Paul Herrell and Democrat Doug Malone.

The deadline to file for political office is Feb. 21.

The commission race is just one in which voters will have a choice this spring as the primary race nears.

Other county offices up for grabs include the county auditor’s post, currently held by Ray T. "Moose" Dutey, and Lawrence County Common Pleas Court Judge, currently held by Frank McCown.

Statewide races affecting Lawrence County voters include two seats for Ohio House of Representatives covering districts that include Lawrence County; and one seat on the Ohio Senate, currently held by Mike Shoemaker.

House of Representative incumbents Bill Ogg and John Carey are term-limited and cannot run.

Congressional races will also be held this year, but redistricting issues in Columbus have cast a shadow of confusion over who is running where.

For instance, the counties that make up the Sixth Congressional District, held by incumbent U.S. Rep. Ted Strickland, could change but he said he will seek re-election to Congress.

The redistricting – a redrawing of political boundaries that is mandated by law after each U.S. Census – could also affect statewide races.

Final maps showing each district’s new lines are expected by the middle of next week.