Staff Writer

Jan. 29, 2000 11 PM

The Pike County Republican Committee is gearing up for the 2000 elections.

Although the GOP has opened qualifying for candidates, chairman Lawrence Bowden said candidates have been slow in asking for the paperwork. Qualifying will remain open until April 7.

The Democratic Party has not yet opened its qualifying.

Republican Party officials are looking for candidates for the following county offices: Probate Judge, Circuit Judge Place 1, District Judge, Circuit Clerk, Pike County School Board members No. 5 and No. 6, all six seats on the Pike County Commission and constables who run by precincts.

"We’re looking for good people to run for these offices," Bowden said.

He said the GOP wants candidates interested in "good government" to represent the party.

"It’s time now," Bowden said of getting good candidates to run.

Only two of the seats up for election are currently held by Republicans. Those are Commissioners Larry Meeks of District 2 and Larry Penn of District 3.

To run for the county commission, candidates must be 18 years old, be a United States citizen and state resident for one day and be a registered voter.

Those same stipulations are required of candidates for circuit clerk.

Qualifications for the county board of education are the same, including that the candidate must be a resident of the county in which he or she plans to represent one year prior to the election.

For the judges, requirements are a bit more strict.

A candidate for the judge’s bench must have resided in the circuit for one year prior to election. According to the minimum requirements for public office overseen by the Elections Division of the Secretary of State’s office, circuit judges can not be elected or appointed after the age of 70.

Anyone wishing to serve as a district or circuit judge must be licensed to practice law in Alabama.

County candidates must also pay a $50 qualifying fee.

The Republican Party needs candidates, but it needs those behind-the-scene people too.

"We not only need candidates, but people who are interested in working," Bowden said. "We welcome anybody who wants to help with the campaigns."

Bowden said the GOP wants "people who will be part of the party" to help others get elected.

He believes what the GOP "stands for will lead to better government" for all.

Anyone interested in running on the Republican ticket can contact Bowden at 735-3898.