Who's Running?

SEBRING - Highlands County voters will have lots of decisions to make in 2008.

On Jan. 29, the primary will give Democrats and Republicans the opportunity to choose their presidential nominee. At the same time, voters can decide whether to lower their own taxes.

The deadline to register to vote in the primary is Dec. 31, said Norma Stokes, assistant supervisor of elections.

Early voting for the primary starts on Jan. 14. Voters can go to the libraries in Lake Placid and Avon Park, or at the Highlands County Government Center in Sebring.

The last day to call for an absentee ballot to be mailed to the voter's home is Jan. 23, Stokes said.

Every constitutional officer in the county will be up for re-election, Stokes said. The primary, if necessary, will be held Aug. 26.

Only Sheriff Susan Benton has an announced opponent, Ronald Grimming, a recent Lake Placid resident who has commanded the Florida Highway Patrol and been deputy commander of the Illinois State Police.

Stokes said Supervisor of Elections Joe Campbell has no announced opponent yet.

None of the constitutional officers have announced whether they will run except Luke E. Brooker, who will not seek another term as clerk of courts.

Three county commissioners are also up for re-election, but Barbara Stewart, Andrew Jackson, and Guy Maxcy have not formally spoken about another term.

At the school board, neither Donna Howerton nor Ned Hancock have publicly decided whether to seek re-election.

State Sen. J.D. Alexander does intend to seek a third term, as does State Rep. Denise Grimsley. State Rep. Baxter Troutman is currently serving his third term, so he can seek re-election only once more. He has already announced for a fourth term, and he plans to run for state agriculture commissioner in 2010.