OGDEN -- It's the time of year for politicians across the state to gear up for campaign season.
Candidates began filing for office Friday and have until 5 p.m. this Friday to submit their candidate declaration packet, said Alan McEwan, clerk/auditor, who is up for re-election this year.
So far not many incumbents have a challenger, although Sen. Bob Bennett. R-Utah. already has three challengers for the Republican primary -- David Chiu, Tim Bridgewater and Leonard Fabiano.
Closer to home, Utah Rep. Neil Hansen, a District 9 Democrat, is being challenged by Republican Jeremy Peterson, and retiring Sheriff Brad Slater's seat currently has three contenders in Democrat Gary Haws and Republicans Brett Haycock and Terry Thompson.
Incumbents for Weber County attorney, clerk/auditor, recorder/surveyor and commission seats A and B and currently unopposed. A complete list of candidates who have filed is available at www1.co.weber.ut.us/Clerk_Auditor/Election.
Darcy Kruitbosch is challenging fellow Republican John Bond for the treasurer's seat. John Ulibarri, a Republican, is the only person to file for assessor so far.
McEwan said the filing has been a little slower than he had expected.
"I actually expected more people on the first day of filing last Friday," he said. "It really wasn't a burden. We were geared up to accommodate a larger crew, but we haven't had a backlog of people in here."
McEwan said the filing process has gone very smoothly so far, and his office hasn't been under any pressure yet. He expects a small rush at the end of the week.
To file, people have to fill out a candidate declaration, which includes information about financial disclosures and requirements for their office, and submit a filing fee.
Most candidates also sign the optional Pledge of Fair Campaign Practices, McEwan said, although not all do.
The first financial disclosure is due a few days before the June 22 primary, he said. Then caucuses will be held March 23.
He said the election staff has handled everything well.
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