Contested races in GOP primary

As the final week of candidate filing approaches, Milam County Sheriff David Greene has drawn a primary opponent.
Former Constable Herbie Vaughan, who challenged Greene in 2012, filed as a candidate again in the March 1 Republican Primrary, according to county party chairman Bill Whitmire.
In 2012, Greene was also opposed in the primary by former Greg Kouba, a former chief deputy. With Greene garnering just under 50 percent of the vote in the three-way 2012 primary, the race went into a runoff between Greene and Kouba with Greene ultimately winning with 57 percent.
Candidate filing for the March 1 party primaries ends Monday, Dec. 14.
Another potentially contested race was the race for tax assessor-collector. Incumbent Kolette Morgan had announced she would seek reelection and drew a primary opponent the first weekend of filing. However she resigned from office effective Friday following a district court hearing. (See related story.)
Now, Sherry Mueck, who filed to run for tax assessor-collector on the opening day of candidate filing almost a month ago, was the only candidate in the race as of mid week.
So far, incumbents in other county-wide races - District Judge John Youngblood and District/County Attorney Bill Torrey - are unopposed in the GOP primary.
County commissioners up for election this year are Precinct 1 Commissioner Richard (Opey) Watkins, and Precinct 2 Commissioner John Fisher. According to Whitmire, Fisher drew an opponent when Odes Foster filed as a candidate this week.
Precinct 2 Constable Charlie West is opposed in the primary by Kenny Schneebeli while incumbents Precinct 1 Constable John Anderle and Precinct 3 Constable Jay Breathard are unopposed.
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While no GOP candidate has filed for Constable Precinct 4, Milam County Democratic Party Chairman Tommy Grimes reported that Michael M. Moehling Jr. of Thorndale filed to run for the position in the March 1 Democratic primary. Incumbent Constable Giles Summerlin, a Democrat and also from Thorndale, had not filed as of press time.
Prospective candidates have until 6 p.m. Monday, Dec. 14, to file for positions on the primary ballots, according to the Texas Secretary of State Elections Division.
Whitmire said he will have office hours from 1 until 6 p.m. on Monday at 411 East First Street, Cameron. Candidates may call Whitmire at 254-482-0354 throughout the filing period to arrange a time to file.
Grimes said Democratic candidates may file between the hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. at his office at 1707 W. Cameron Ave, Suite A, in Rockdale. For more information, candidates may contact Grimes at 512-446-4131.