by Ron Gregory
ronjgregory@gmail.comFiling papers from candidates who chose to file by mail prior to the midnight, Saturday, January 30, deadline arrived at the Secretary of State’s and County Clerk offices Monday.While the deadline for filing in person was midnight, Saturday, any forms postmarked before that time are acceptable. Some forms have been received as much as five days into the following week, according to a longtime Secretary of State’s office employee.Nevertheless, it is expected that most forms arrived Monday.In addition to candidates previously listed by the Corridor Chronicle, Robin Wilson of Spencer has entered the race for Congress from the Second Congressional District. As a Democrat, the new candidate will face previous filees Mark Hunt, Harvey Peyton, Tom Payne and Cory Simpson for the right to challenge either incumbent Republican Alex Mooney or his primary opponent, Mark Savitt.Barry Holstein of Cross Lanes entered the GOP race for Secretary of State Monday. He will meet previously filed Mac Warner in the primary. Democrat incumbent Natalie Tennant and former Clarksburg Mayor Patsy Trecost will battle it out for that party’s nomination.Patrick Cottrell, a Charleston attorney, filed to challenge incumbent Family Court Judge Rob Montgomery in Kanawha County’s Division One.No additional candidates were listed by clerks in Boone, Kanawha, Lincoln or Logan counties.In Mingo, meanwhile, Marvin Vernatter became the third Democrat candidate for County Commission, facing incumbent John Mark Hubbard and Thomas Taylor.Randy Baisden entered the contest for Magistrate from Division One where he will face incumbent Brock Mounts, Donald Sansom and Billy Sexton. In Division Three, Michele Webb filed, joining incumbent Jim Harvey, Scott Smith and Donald Stevens.Camilla Ellis filed for Circuit Clerk as a Democrat. That means she will face Brandy Haney, Lonnie Hannah and Billy Sammons in the primary. Incumbent Grant Preece is retiring at the end of his current term.Lossie Mahone joined the five other candidates for a position on the school board. The earlier filers were Donnie Canterbury, James Farley, Sabrina Grace, Nathan Hatfield and Larry Ferguson.The primary election is scheduled for May 10 with this year’s general election on November 8.