Texas County residents will decide several contested races Tuesday in voting in the General Election.
Texas County Clerk Don Troutman is predicting a turnout of 70 percent of the county’s about 16,000 registered voters. By Tuesday, 865 voters had requested an absentee a ballot.
On the county level, there are several races: Democrat Colin Long, an associate circuit judge from Waynesville, is opposed by Bill Hickle, a Republican associate circuit judge from Rolla. Incumbent Tracy Storie of Waynesville, a Democrat, is retiring. Voters in Texas, Pulaski, Maries and Phelps counties will decide the race.
Republican Texas County District No. 1 Commissioner John Casey of Cabool is opposed by Rose Ward of Houston, a Democrat. The other commissioner, Linda Garrett of Licking, a Republican, also sees her term expire. She is opposed by Ron Kramer of Raymondville, a Democrat, for the District 2 seat.
Two are seeking to replace Texas County Sheriff Carl Watson of Solo, who is stepping down after two terms due to health battles. They are Lt. Melissa Dunn of Houston, a Democratic county officer, and James Sigman of Cabool, a Cabool police officer, Republican.
Two other county contested races are on the ballot: Collector-Treasurer Tammy Cantrell, a Houston Democrat, is opposed by Republican Jack Hines of Willow Springs. Public Administrator Theresa Campbell of Cabool withdrew to focus on health issues. Democrat Lisa Ruller Dixon of Houston and Republican Connie Thompson of Cabool hope to replace her. Running unopposed are Assessor Debbie James, a Solo Republican, Coroner Thomas Whittaker of Cabool, a Democrat, and Chuck Manier of Houston, a Republican who will become county surveyor. He will replace Louis Carmack of Roby, a Democrat.
On the state level, the county will have new representatives in the Missouri General Assembly. Unopposed on the Republican Ticket are Robert Ross of Eunice, 142nd District House; and Mike Cunningham of Webster County, 33rd District Senate. Incumbents could not seek re-election due to term limits.
Voters also will decide issues related to the St. Louis police force, cigarette taxes and state heath insurance exchanges. Retention of two judges also are on the ballot.
On the state level, Republican Dave Spence is seeking to topple Gov. Jay Nixon, a Democrat. U.S. Rep. Todd Akin, a Republican, is challenging U.S. Sen. Claire McCaskill, a Democrat.
Running at the top of the Democratic Ticket are President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden who are challenged by Gov. Mitt Romney and U.S. Congressman Paul Ryan, Republicans.
There are other state races on the ballot: Lieutenant governor — Susan Montee, Democrat, against Republican Peter Kinder, who holds the office now. Jason Kander, a Democrat; and Shane Schoeller, a Republican, are seeking to replace Robin Carnahan, a Democrat who did not seek re-election. Democratic State Treasurer Clint Zweifel is opposed by Cole McNary, a Republican; and Democratic Attorney General Chris Koster is opposed Republican Ed Martin. Seeking re-election to the 8th U.S. Congressional District is Jo Ann Emerson, a Republican. She is opposed by Jack Rushin, a Democrat; and Rick Vandeven, a Libertarian.
•Texas County sheriff: Melissa Dunn, D, vs. James Sigman, R
•Texas County commissioner District 1: Rose Ward, D, vs. John Casey, R
•Texas County commissioner District 2: Ron Kramer, D, vs. Linda Garrett, R
•Texas County public administrator: Lisa Ruller Dixon, D, vs. Connie Thompson, R
•Texas County collector-treasurer: Tammy Cantrell, D, vs. Jack Hines, R