The filing rush began Monday morning with a mix of the expected and unexpected. The first candidate to file locally at 8:18 a.m. was Clark County Auditor Greg Kimsey, running for his sixth term. But several unexpected names quickly followed, including two more candidates for the 3rd Congressional District seat, currently held by Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler, R-Battle Ground.
Martin Hash and Michael Cortney entered the crowded congressional race Monday morning. Hash, a local entrepreneur who’s made a run for the state Legislature in the past, was actually the first candidate to file for the seat. He’s running as a Democrat. Cortney, a 62-year-old retired electrician from Vancouver, is running as a Republican.
They join an already crowded race. Herrera Beutler also filed on Monday, as did Democrats David McDevitt and Carolyn Long. Earl Bowerman, who’s running as a Republican, filed as well.
Monday’s other surprise filing was for the Clark County clerk, who runs the Superior Court office. Republican Scott Weber filed as expected for a third term, but he was joined by a Democratic challenger. She is Barbara Melton, a current employee of the prosecutor’s office.
Filing week runs through Friday for more than a dozen partisan offices, judicial offices and precinct committee chairs.
Here are Monday’s other filings:
• 17th Legislative District:
Republican Rep. Paul Harris filed for his fifth term serving as position 2 representative.
Democrat Tanisha Harris has filed for position 1 alongside current Republican Rep. Vicki Kraft.
• 18th Legislative District:
Rep. Brandon Vick, R-Felida, has filed to retain his position 1 seat.
Democrat Kathy Gillespie has filed for position 2. This seat is currently held by Republican Liz Pike, who has announced she is not seeking re-election.
• 49th Legislative District:
Position 1 Democratic Rep. Sharon Wylie has filed to retain her seat. She’s joined by Position 2 Rep. Monica Stonier, also a Democrat.
• Clark County Council District 1:
Temple Lentz, a Democrat, filed Monday morning. Current Councilor Jeanne Stewart, a Republican, has not yet announced her plans.
• Clark County Council District 2:
Councilor Julie Olson, who is running as a Republican, has formally filed.
• Vancouver City Council Position 1:
Incumbent Laurie Lebowsky has filed for the remaining three-year unexpired term. This race is nonpartisan.
• Clark County Chair:
Newcomer Eric Holt, a Democrat, filed for the seat. Councilor Eileen Quiring filed as a Republican. Current Chair Marc Boldt, an independent, has not yet filed.
• Clark County Prosecuting Attorney:
Current Prosecuting Attorney Tony Golik, a Democrat, is officially running.
• Clark County Sheriff:
Republican Chuck Atkins is officially running for a second term.
• Clark County Assessor:
Republican Peter Van Nortwick filed for his third term.
