Primary to decide feature GOP races

DAVE MOSIER/Van Wert independent editor

Today’s Ohio Primary Election will offer plenty of choice — to Republicans, that is. Registered members of the Grand Old Party will select one of four Presidential candidates, two of six candidates for Van Wert County commissioner and some state and Congress choices as well.

The big county race — or races, in this case — is for Van Wert County commissioner. Two of the three current commissioners: Gary Adams and Clair Dudgeon, will not be seeking re-election, leaving both those seats open.

On the Republican side, Sheriff Stan Owens and local businessman Denzil “Denny” Wortman are running for Dudgeon’s’ seat, while four candidates – County 9-1-1 Coordinator Kim Brandt, local attorney Todd Wolfrum, local farmer and York Township Trustee Bill Evans and businessman and artisan Phil Baxter are running for Adams’ seat.

Republican Presidential candidates on the Ohio ballot include Mitt Romney, Newt Gingrich, Ron Santorum and Ron Paul.

The Fifth Congressional seat is being contested in the Republican primary. Incumbent Bob Latta faces opposition from Convoy resident Bob Wallis, while Libertarian Eric Eberly and Democrat Angela Zinmann will face the winner in the general election.

In the newly-created 82nd Ohio House District, Republican Tony Burkley, currently a Paulding County commissioner, is running unopposed in the primary, but will face Democrat David L. Schooley in November.

Issues on today’s ballot include an electric aggregation ballot issue for residents of the Village of Wren, while voters in Van Wert Precinct 3C will vote on a Sunday liquor sales issue.