Deadline passes; field set for all local races

Two more candidates filed under the wire to beat the Thursday noon deadline to run for public office.

Former Gaffney mayoral candidate Joey Gault filed as a Democrat for the Cherokee County Council District 2 seat held by Republican Bailey Humphries. Gault finished third in the non-partisan city election for mayor in 2004.

Seven Democrats have filed to appear on the ballot this year.

On the Republican side, Doug Hayes became the 13th Republican to file when he paid his fees Thursday morning to run for the County Council District 5 seat held by Charles Mathis. This will be Hayes' second attempt to unseat Mathis. He lost in the Republican primary in 2002.

Primary races will be needed to determine the Republican Party nominee for state House seats 30 and 29 as well as coroner.

Bobby Beattie and Libby Swad will vie for the GOP nomination for the District 30 House seat held by Democrat Olin Phillips. Marcia Duncan and Danny Stacy both want the GOP nod for House seat No. 29, while Dennis Fowler and Glenn Fuller will decide the GOP nominee for coroner.

Incumbent Clerk of Court Brandy McBee won't face any opposition.

Other Republicans who have filed include: Merv Bishop, auditor; Brad Upchurch, Cherokee County Council District 7, Bill Blanton, sheriff; and Jackie Williams, treasurer.

Other Democrats who have filed include: incumbents State Rep. Olin Phillips, Mathis and James Batchler as well as newcomers Roy Price (auditor), Rick Burgess (sheriff) and Dennis Moss (State House District 29).