Filing Feb. 13, but hopefuls already at work

Although candidates are publicly declaring their intentions on almost a daily basis, filing for offices doesn’t actually begin until Feb. 13.

Current Clerk of Superior Court Pam Huff and challenger Nicki Dennis have announced plans to run for that seat. Incumbent Sheriff Steve Bunn is facing a challenge from Danny Priest, the former chief of special police with Smithfield Packing. Priest is also a former DARE officer for the sheriff’s department.

He began unofficially campaigning late last fall.

“Going up against an incumbent,” he said, “I wanted to get an early start.”

Both men have promised to run clean campaigns.

“I think my record will stand for itself,” Bunn said. “I’m proud to serve the people of Bladen County, and I look forward to continuing to do so.”

Seats up for election in May include three on the county board of commissioners, six on the board of education, county coroner, two soil and water conservation board seats, a district court judgeship, U.S. Congress, and state house and senate seats.

Tony Rand announces he will run again

State Sen. Tony Rand, D-Cumberland, announced Thursday he will be seeking re-election.

Rand represent Bladen and Cumberland Counties, and is considered one of the most powerful legislators in Raleigh. He is currently Senate majority leader, and chair of the Rules Committee. He also serves on a number of committees, including education, appropriations and commerce.

The senator is serving his ninth two-year term in Raleigh. His current term is the first representing Bladen County.

Breazeale not running for Congress

For the first time in several elections, perennial candidate Will Breazeale will not be on the ticket this year.

An airline pilot from White Lake, Breazeale said earlier this week his Army Reserve unit will be deployed to Iraq this spring, preventing his rumored run for U.S. Congress.

Breazeale said he has changed his registration from Democrat to Republican, was reportedly planning to run against Democrat Congressman Mike McIntyre of Lumberton. McIntyre represents Bladen in Congress.

Breazeale has made unsuccessful runs for Bladen County School Board and the White Lake Town Council. If he goes to Iraq, he said it will be his third tour of duty to the Middle East. He was in the 1991 Iraq War, and served as a staff officer in the current conflict.

Submissions welcome

If you have political news, party meetings, announcements, or other information pertaining to the upcoming elections, please call Jefferson Weaver at 862-4163, or email bjnews@bizec.rr.com. The Bladen Journal will not publish flagrant endorsements of or attacks on candidates.

All submissions will be edited prior to publication, and the editors reserve the right to refuse any submission. The political column is provided free as a public service.