The Marietta Daily Journal – Six qualify for vacant state Senate seat

CANTON — The race to fill the state Senate seat being vacated by Barry Loudermilk (R-Cassville) will see no shortage of competition.

Six candidates, three from Cherokee County and three from Bartow, made their candidacy official before qualifying ended Wednesday for the Nov. 5 election to fill Loudermilk’s District 14 seat, said Cody Whitlock, spokesman for the Secretary of State’s Office.

Loudermilk resigned earlier this month to clear the way for his bid for the 11th District congressional seat now held by Rep. Phil Gingrey (R-Marietta.) The seat covers large parts of Cherokee and Bartow and a small piece of Cobb.

The Cherokee County contenders in the special election are Dwight Pullen, 53, of Canton, Nicole Ebbeskotte, 42, of Woodstock, and Dean Sheridan, 51, of Acworth.

Bartow County is represented by candidates Christopher G. Nesmith, 42, of Adairsville, Bruce Thompson, 48, of White, and Matt Laughridge, 25, of Cartersville, Whitlock said.

Although the special election will be non-partisan with no party primaries, the candidates gave the Secretary of State’s Office their party affiliation, which will be listed on the ballot in the Nov. 5 race. Whitlock said all the candidates signed on as Republicans, except Nesmith, who is a Democrat.

via The Marietta Daily Journal – Six qualify for vacant state Senate seat.