No Republicans for Mercer County Board

Friday, November 9, 2007

By J.C. Taylor

The Register-Mail

ALEDO - The ballot is set for the Feb. 5, 2008, primary in Mercer County. Monday marked the deadline to file nominating petitions at the Mercer County Clerk's office. Not one Republican filed for any of the five Mercer County Board seats. Five Democrats did; Maxine Henry of Keithsburg in District 1, Floyd Utz of New Windsor in District 2, Charlie Box of Sherrard in District 3, Terry Elliot of Eliza in District 4, and Tom Haines of Aledo in District 5.

For county-wide offices, there will be a contested race for Mercer County coroner next November as incumbent Democrat Ron McNall of Aledo has filed for the February primary as has Republican newcomer Lewis Wiley of New Boston.

Incumbent Republican Circuit Clerk Jeff Benson of Aledo has filed to run again. The Democrats have no one on the primary ballot.

There will be one contested race in the primary in Mercer County. It involves incumbent Democrat State's Attorney Greg McHugh of Viola. He will be challenged by Democrat Daniel Dalton, also of Viola. The Republicans do not have a candidate for the primary.

Parties have until next fall to fill any openings of slate candidates for the November 2008 general election ballot.