Hopkins County Democratic Party Chairman Bill Brannon, left, takes paperwork from Precinct 1 Justice of the Peace Yvonne King, who was first in line Saturday to file for the March primary election, followed closely by Precinct 2 Justice of the Peace Ronny Glossup (right). Contested races for county treasurer and Precinct 4 county commissioner developed as candidates paid the requisite fees and submitted applications for places on the ballot on the first day of filing. Staff Photo by Kerry Craig

Dec. 4, 2005 -- Democratic candidates in Hopkins County lined up Saturday morning, the opening day of the political season, to pay their filing fees and officially file for a place on the March 7 party primary  ballot.

Already, there are two contested races, one for county treasurer, the other for Precinct 4 county commissioner.

Candidates for the treasurer's office include Treva Watson, an assistant in the county auditor's office, and Jim Rooks, former district administrator for U.S. Rep. Jim Chapman.

Incumbent County Treasurer Betty Bassham announced earlier that she would not seek another term in office.

Incumbent Precinct 4 Commissioner Danny Evans is being challenged in his bid for a second term by Bryan Steward, owner of Steward Mechanic Service in Ridgeway.

Evans was first elected to the Precinct 4 commissioner's post in 2002 following the retirement of long-time Commissioner Calvin Prince.

Steward's candidacy marks his first venture into the county political arena.

Incumbent candidates filing for re-election included County Judge Cletis Millsap, County Clerk Debbie Shirley, Tax Assessor-Collector Debbie Jenkins, District Clerk Patricia Dorner, County Court-at-Law Judge Amy Smith, Precinct 2 Commissioner Burke Bullock and justices of the peace Yvonne King in Precinct1 and Ronny Glossup in Precinct 2.

The filing period for the March 7 primary elections will continue through Monday, Jan. 2.

Bill Brannon, Hopkins County Democratic Party chairman, asked that anyone wishing to file as a Democratic candidates to contact him to make an appointment to fill out the necessary paperwork and pay their filing fees.

The county's Democratic chairman may be contacted by calling 903-439-1177 or 903-243-0856.