Filing ends for Porter County primary races

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Updated: March 12, 2012 8:04AM

VALPARAISO — Richard Hudson said Friday he wasn’t trying to make a statement by being the last Porter County candidate to file for the May primary — it was just how things worked out.

“As the 11th hour gets closer, you start to think about whether you’re doing the right thing,” said Hudson, of Valparaiso, who filed as a Republican candidate for county surveyor around 11:45 a.m., just shy of the noon deadline. He added he was “committed to filing from the beginning.”

Other than a handful of filings for county offices, the deadline mostly brought in people filing to represent their party at the state convention, or to serve as precinct committeemen.

The other two people to file to run for office Friday were Ned Kovachevich, who filed as a Democratic candidate for county council, and Ethan Lowe, who filed as a Republican candidate for county council.

Democrats have contested races in the primary for the South District of the Board of Commissioners and the three at-large council seats.

In the commissioners race, Councilwoman Laura Shurr Blaney, D-At large, faces Jerry A. Puckett. Four people are running for the council seats, including incumbents Dan Whitten, the council president, and Sylvia Graham. Bob Poparad is also making a bid to return to the council.

The Republicans have contested races for surveyor; the north and south district commissioners races; and the three at-large council seats.

In the South District commissioners race, Councilman Jim Polarek, who represents the 4th District, faces Mike Heinold. In the North District race, incumbent John Evans, president of the commissioners, is being challenged by County Councilman Jim Biggs, R-1st District. Biggs is a former commissioner.

Candidates have until noon Monday to withdraw from the race. The county’s Democratic and Republican chairmen have until July 3 to slate additional candidates for the November general election.