STAFF REPORT
The filing deadline passed on Jan. 2, opening very few races leading up to the March 3 primaries. In August, when the real campaigning for the November election takes place, we’ll get some action.

For the next couple months, all the action is in the Democratic Party, particularly in San Marcos.

Further down the road, though, the most intriguing filing took place in the Republican Party, where Wimberley businessman Matt Young, 39, is running against three-term incumbent Patrick Rose. Equally intriguing, no Democrat filed against Rose for the primary season, despite complaints within the party that Rose didn’t line up right during the fight over Republican Tom Craddick’s re-election as House Speaker during the last legislative session.

In San Marcos, three primary races have emerged on the Democratic side. Long-time Hays County Precinct 1 Commissioner Debbie Gonzales Ingalsbe faces a primary challenge from Celestino Mendez of San Marcos. The winner of the primary will run against Republican Nick Ramus, who has fought with the present commissioners court over his business septic system after it was approved by the former court.

Lupe Cruz, who retired as Pct. 1 Constable, has filed to run for Justice of the Peace from that precinct against incumbent Jo Anne Prado. Running on the Democratic side for Cruz’ old post are constable’s deputy Stephen Velasquez and sheriff deputy David Peterson, both of San Marcos.

Hays County Precinct 3 Commissioner Will Conley is unopposed on the Republican side, but he faces a challenge in the general election from former Wimberley Mayor Steve Klepfer.

RELATED IN THE MERCURY:

• Taking page from her opponent, Prado adds evening court hours | May 26, 2008
• Ingalsbe wins easily | March 5, 2008
• Incumbents win commissioner seats, maintain contra-judge majority | November 5, 2008
• GOP returns to countywide seats, Dems defend precinct positions | November 5, 2008
• Rose second only to House speaker in amassing campaign war chest in first test since falling-out | February 13, 2008