Many seats up for grabs in Tuesday primary

Published 5:49 pm Thursday, August 2, 2012

Berrien County will see several contested races in Tuesday’s primary election, including many seats up for grabs in Niles Charter Township.

Incumbent Jim Kidwell will attempt to retain his seat as township supervisor against challenger James Stover, while John Engel is challenging longtime township treasurer Jim Ringler.

Nine candidates are vying for four open Niles Charter Township trustee seats: Democrat Gary Conover and Republicans Richard Cooper, Herschel Hoese, August Kuehn, Patricia Legatt, Dick Noble, Dan Songer, Christine Vella and Ron Winningham.

For U.S. Senate, Republicans Clark Durant, Gary Glenn, Randy Hekman and Pete Hoekstra vie for the nomination to face Democratic incumbent Debbie Stabenow.

U.S. Rep. Fred Upton of St. Joseph faces a primary challenge from former state Rep. Jack Hoogendyk of Kalamazoo. Democrat Mike O’Brien awaits the victor.

David H. Mann, Dave Pagel and Brian Savage are all competing for the Republican nomination for the 78th District Michigan House of Representatives. The winner will face either Gerry Welling or Jack Arbanas, both challenging for the Democratic nod.

Berrien County Prosecutor Arthur Cotter and Berrien County Sheriff L. Paul Bailey are running uncontested to retain their seats.

For county clerk, Republican Sharon Tyler and Democrat Robin M. Bays are both running uncontested.

Republicans Rich Hurst, Christopher Quattrin and Roger Zilke are vying for county drain commissioner.

The county commissioner district 10 seat, held by incumbent R. McKinley Elliot, is being challenged by Republican Robert Hoven, Jr. The winner will face off against Democrat David M. Crumley, running unopposed.

The race for Buchanan Township supervisor has two Republican candidates, Eugene Casto and Jane Wesner-Mitchell.

Republicans Lynn Ferris and Tom VanAntwerp and Democrat Jess Minks are running for two open Buchanan Township trustee seats.