They're Running

SEBRING - Luke Brooker isn't, but Bob Germaine is. The sheriff is, and so are all the other constitutional officers.

Germaine called a press conference at 1 p.m. Wednesday to announce he'll seek the clerk of courts seat being vacated by Brooker.

Germaine, 57, said if he's elected, he won't be a one-term clerk. He's been working in the office for 36 years and is Brooker's chief deputy on the criminal courts side.

"I help people every day," Germaine said to the 20 people gathered in the supervisor of elections office when he announced. "I don't feel like I've done anything if I don't help someone."

If Brooker had decided to run again, Germaine said he would have supported his boss, but Brooker announced two weeks ago he didn't intend to seek another term. Sebring CRA Executive Director Pete Pollard has said he also will seek the office.

"It's a dream come true to me," Germaine promised. "I'll do a great job."

Incumbents Running

Susan Benton, who was elected three years ago in a five-way race for sheriff, has already drawn two opponents in 2008, Ron Grimming, a Republican from Lake Placid, and Michael Rowan, a Democrat from Avon Park. All three are career law enforcement officers.

On Tuesday, she announced she'll run for a second term.

"Yes, I certainly am going to seek re-election to the office of sheriff," Benton said. "I plan, hopefully, to get my paperwork submitted for the supervisor of elections by the first of February.

"I'm excited about continuing to afford our staff the awesome opportunity of serving the community as well as they have done for the past three years," Benton said.

Supervisor of Elections Joe Campbell plans to seek a fourth term. He worked in Jimmy Whitehouse's office more than 10 years before running in 1996.

"I'll probably file this week or next," Campbell said.

Charles Bryan, the Highlands County tax collector, said he picked up his filing papers this week. He is also seeking a fourth term.

County Commissioner Barbara Stewart said she plans to seek a second term, and Commissioner Andrew Jackson plans to run for a fourth term. He served a term in the 1970s, then was elected again seven years ago. Commissioner Guy Maxcy also will seek another term.

"The commissioners' meetings are the highlight of my week," Jackson said.

School board member Donna Howerton will also be seeking a fourth term.

The other school board member up for re-election, Ned Hancock, could not be reached.

Wally Cox, the county superintendent of schools, said he will run for a third term.