Longview, TX — Candidates will begin filing for office today as the 2012 election cycle gets under way in Gregg and the state’s other 253 counties.
Lawsuits challenging new political lines drawn by the GOP-dominated Legislature prompted judges to push the filing window back two weeks. The new window is today through Dec. 15.
Candidates must file with their respective parties. Candidates seeking offices that represent multiple counties must file their intentions with the state party, while those seeking offices contained within single counties file with their county chairmen.
Local Democratic hopefuls can file with Gregg County Democratic Chairman Bryce Bagby by calling (903) 452-0610.
Gregg County Republican candidates can file with Keith Rothra at the GOP headquarters at 220 N. Fredonia St. in downtown Longview. The office will open from noon to 5 p.m. today, then 1 to 4 p.m. weekdays until Dec. 15 when it remains open to 6 p.m.
Rothra said it looks like several offices will be contested in the March 6 Republican primary.
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