Democrat enters District 4 state House race
A Democrat has thrown her hat and a monkey wrench into the ring in the special election for the District 4 state House.
Navarre resident Jan Fernald paid her qualifying fee Friday to join the five Republican men campaigning for the job. Friday was the last day to qualify to run.
Because she is a Democrat, Fernald’s entry in the race closes the March 23 primary and extends the special election calendar to April 13, when a general election will be held.
Having a Democrat in the race also will increase the cost of the election. Paul Lux said Okaloosa County’s election expenses will probably nearly double, from the current projection of $90,000 to about $180,000.
Santa Rosa County must also spend more to open 8ï¾½ Navarre-area precincts for voting.
Fernald, could not be reached for comment Friday.
The election winner will fill the seat vacated by Ray Sansom, who resigned Feb. 21 amid scandal.
The winner also must start campaigning almost immediately for the regularly scheduled 2010 election. The District 4 primary is Aug. 24 and a general election is Nov. 2.
Former Destin Mayor Craig Barker, attorney Matt Gaetz, former Fort Walton Beach City Councilman Bill Garvie, businessman Kabe Woods and former state Rep. Jerry Melvin, all Okaloosa County residents, are seeking the Republican nomination.
