Qualifying Closes for July Primary

By J. FRANK LYNCH
jflynch@theCitizenNews.com

The stage is set for this year’s elections now that the qualifying period has closed for July’s primary.

And it’s a much less complicated picture than it could be: None of Fayette County’s constitutional officers up for reelection face any opposition in 2004.

Clerk of Superior Court Shelia Studdard, Coroner Carl J. Mowell, Sheriff Randall Johnson and Tax Commissioner George Wingo —Êall Republicans —Êqualified to run again with no Republican or Democratic opposition, according to unofficial tallies on qualifiers released Friday afternoon.

Among County Commissioners up for re-election, Post 1’s A.G. VanLandingham of Fayetteville faces no competition; Post 2’s Herb Frady of Peachtree City will square off on the primary ballot with fellow Republican, David Simmons of Fayetteville; and Post 3’s Peter Pfeifer of Peachtree City will face Republican newcomer Samuel Chapman who lives in South Fayette near Starr’s Mill.

On the Fayette County Board of Education, just one of the three open seats will be contested. Connie Leary, a Republican from Peachtree City, will challenge incumbent Marion Key for the Post 3 seat; School Board Chairman Terri Smith faces no challenge for the Post 2 seat, and Post 1’s Janet Smola also faces no opposition in her re-election bid.

Among the various judgeships and court offices open this year, just one — that of state court solicitor — has competition. Laura Landis and James K. Inagawa, both Republicans, will face off to fill the seat left vacant by the resignation of Steve Harris, who is running for Superior Court Judge.

The incumbents who will return to office in the non-partisan judgeships include: Magistrate Judge Post 1, Joe Tinsley; Magistrate Judge Post 2, Charles Floyd; Magistrate Judge Post 3, Robert Ruppenthal; Magistrate Judge Post 4, James White; Probate Court Judge, Martha Stephenson; State Court Judge, Fletcher Sams.

For District Attorney in the Griffin Judicial Circuit, Scott Ballard of Fayetteville will challenge incumbent William T. “Bill” McBroom of Griffin. Both are Republicans.

Among the three superior court judgeships, incumbent Johnnie Caldwell of Thomaston is facing opposition from John W. Mrosek of Fayetteville; Thomas R. Hankinson of Thomaston will be challenged by Steve Harris of Fayetteville; and Paschal A. English of Thomaston faces no opposition.