As expected, filing for local political office slowed down somewhat the first full week after the opening day in which candidates could file for nomination in next years May primary, which was November 6.

The first three days saw over 20 candidates seeking office in Clinton County races alone toss their hats into the ring, about half of those being current incumbent office holders.

Over the past week, through 4 p.m. Monday, November 18, a total of seven persons, including a few more incumbents, officially filed–all for two races–magistrate and constable.

All seven candidates filed under the Republican party.

Those filing for office as of Monday of this week included:

* Magisterial candidates: Hershel Key, incumbent, District Five; Johnny Russell, District One; and Josh Bowlin, District Six.

* Constable candidates: Ronnie Thrasher, District Four; Rick Stearns, District Three; Gilbert Daniels, District Six; and David “Sidewinder” Cross, District Two.

The latest candidates bring the total number of local candidates only (those seeking office in Clinton County, either in districts or county-wide) to 29, with almost half of those being current office holders.

Of the total number of local candidates thus far, 26 have filed as Republican candidates, while only three (all for County Judge/Executive) have filed as Democrats.

Several other candidates seeking various judicial seats, General Assembly seats and federal seats such as Congress and Senate, file with the Secretary of State’s Office in Frankfort and a complete listing of those individuals will be published later.

The deadline to file for office in the May 2014 primary is January 28 at 4 p.m. local prevailing time at either the local County Clerk’s office or office of Secretary of State in Frankfort.