Local Democratic-GOP matches on ballot
By Jim Cox

Moore (D)Wiggins (R) Sheriff's Candidates

For the first time in years-if ever-there are competitive Democratic-Republican matchups for Clarke County offices on the general election ballot.

Headlining local races is the sheriff's race. Longtime Sheriff's Deputy Bobby Moore is the Democratic nominee and is facing State Trooper Gene Wiggins, the Republican candidate.

They are vying to succeed Sheriff Jack Day who is retiring.

Moore defeated Chief Deputy Donnie Arnold to win the Democratic nomination in June while Wiggins bested Jackson lawman Richard Harvey for the GOP nomination. The GOP primary contest was thought to be the first countywide Republican primary, at least in modern times.

There are Democratic-Republican contests in three district races on the ballot.

In Clarke County Commission District 1, Elma Averett is the Democratic nominee and is being challenged by Republican Henry Burge. The seat is being vacated by Democratic Commissioner Rubye Andrews who is retiring after four terms.

In Commission District 3, incumbent Democrat Patricia DuBose faces opposition from Republican Clint Odom. Odom has been serving on the Clarke County Board of Education and holds the distinction of being the only elected GOP'er in county government.

Chancey is the Republican nominee for the District 3 school board seat that Odom is vacating. He faces Democrat Karen Donald.

The coroner's race is the other two-party local race on the Clarke County ballot.

Gov. Bob Riley appointed Jonah Thomas last year when incumbent Keith Knight stepped down and is running for a full term as a Republican. He is challenged by Democrat Kevin Brunson. Both are emergency medical professionals operating ambulance services in the county.

There are a number of state constitutional offices on the ballot, headlined by the governor's race that pits the Republican incumbent Riley, against Lt. Gov. Lucy Baxley, the Democrat.

Several state judicial seats are also on the ballot as are state legislative seats and U.S. congressional seats.

Averett (D)Burge (R) Dist. 1 Commission Candidates

There are also three constitutional amendments on the ballot. Two are strictly local-pertaining to the City of Prichard and Macon County-but must be voted on statewide. The other, Amendment 2, would require local school systems to levy a minimum of 10 mills in ad valorem taxes. The Clarke County system and the Thomasville city system already exceed that figure in local tax support.

See sample ballot inside.

DuBose (D)Odom (R) Dist. 3 Commission Candidates Donald (D)Chancey (R) Dist. 3 School Board Candidates Brunson (D)Thomas (R) Coroner Candidates Keahey (D)Williams (R) Ala. House Dist. 65 Candidates Lindsey (D)McMillan (R) Ala. Senate Dist. 22 Candidates

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