The regular filing deadline for candidates to be named on the upcoming May 2012 primary ballot has now passed. The deadline in most cases was scheduled for 4 p.m. local prevailing time this past Tuesday, January 31.

Only a handful of candidates will be on the upcoming spring ballot in many counties across the state, including Clinton County. However, there will be at least one contested race on the ballot in May.

Kathy Stearns has filed for the office of Clinton Circuit Court Clerk. Stearns, a former employee in that office, filed against incumbent Jake Staton. Those are the only two seeking the office and since both are Republicans, the primary winner will basically be the elected clerk for the next six year term.

Persons seeking the office of Circuit Court Clerk must take and pass a state mandated test in order to be eligible to file for the office.

The only other local races will be that of Commonwealth Attorney, where as of late last week, Jesse Stockton of Albany, the GOP incumbent, had been the only candidate to file for that 40th judicial circuit judgeship.

There will also be the race for First District U.S. House of Representatives and Kentucky House of Representatives. However, due to recent state redistricting that vastly affects both state and federal house districts, legal opposition has been filed and a ruling was to be made prior to any official filing deadlines.

As it currently stands, Clinton County would be moved from the 83rd House District to the 52nd with Wayne and part of Pulaski County but would stay in the First Congressional District.

The NEWS will publish a more complete listing of candidates who have filed for seats in areas where Clinton County is effected in next week’s edition.