Bartholomew County races shaping up for primary ballot

The ballot is shaping up for the May primary elections in Bartholomew County, with a few days still left for candidates to file for office.

Since the filing period opened on January 7th, Republicans running in Bartholomew countywide races are still unopposed in the primaries.

Incumbent Republicans Superior Court Judge Jon Rohde, Prosecutor Lindsey Holden, Circuit Court Clerk Shari Lentz, Sheriff Chris Lane, Assessor Ginny Whipple and District 2 County Commissioner Carl Lienhoop are all still unopposed in the primary election. Also unopposed on the Republican ticket, are newcomers Sandy Beatty for county treasurer and Vickie Michael for county auditor.

Democrats have added several candidates to the ballot in recent weeks. Kimberly Wadholm has filed for county auditor, Nancy Merbitz for county recorder and Grant Hale for District 2 County Commissioner.

In the Republican race for County Council District 1, incumbent Leah Beyer is being challenged by Mark Bense and in the open Council District 4 seat, Barb Hackman and Rick Miller are both in the running.

Republicans Greg Patterson is running unopposed in the Council District 1 race and Mark Gorbett is unopposed in the District 3 Republican primary. Michelle Carr has filed to run as a Democrat for that seat.

Despite last week’s closing of county government offices due to the snowstorm, the filing period still ends at noon on Friday. You can file in the voter registration office in the Bartholomew County Courthouse.