The May 4 primary candidates just keep on coming. Ripley County voters have 28 more to consider and Franklin County voters 26.

While some of these politicians do not have opposition from the other party for primary balloting, they may face challengers by the Nov. 2 general election.

“Major parties can fill vacancies,” such as a Democratic candidate for U.S. senator, pointed out Indiana Election Division co-general counsel Dale Simmons March 15.

The party must hold a caucus by noon June 30, then certify the candidate to IED before noon July 6.

Ripley County

Five Republicans want to be Indiana’s U.S. senator: Don Bates Jr., Winchester; Richard Behney, Fishers; Dan Coats, Indianapolis; John Hostettler, Wadesville; and Marlin Stutzman, Howe.

Campaigning for U.S. representative in District 9 are five Democrats: John Bottorff, Jasper; incumbent Baron Hill, Seymour; Carol Johnson-Smith, Corydon; James McClure Jr., Clarksville; and Lendall Terry, Osgood. The primary winner will face off against one of these Republicans: Travis Hankins, Columbus; Mike Sodrel, New Albany; Rick Warren, Elizabethtown; and Todd Young, Bloomington.

District 68 state Rep. Robert Bischoff, Greendale, will be the only Democrat on the ballot. Two Republicans want to take the position away from him: Martin Brunner, Batesville; and Jud McMillin, Brookville.

Democratic incumbent David Cheatham, North Vernon, is unchallenged for the District 69 state representative seat.

Three other races are filled with Republicans only. District 43 state senator: incumbent Johnny Nugent, Lawrenceburg; and Lindsay Patterson, Brookville; District 67 state representative: Shawn Fields, Randy Frye, Tony Goodrich and Martin Voegele, Greensburg; Dale Jones, Rushville; Tami Wenning, Westport; and Cindy Ziemke, Batesville; prosecuting attorney: Richard Hertel, Batesville, in office now.

Franklin County

County voters have the same U.S. Senate and Districts 43, 67 and 68 state representative nominees to mull over.

Sixth District U.S. Rep. Mike Pence, Columbus, a Republican, will be challenged by one of two Democrats: George Holland, Rushville, or Barry Welsh, Connersville.

Vying for the District 55 state representative seat are Democrats Glenn Bailey, Oldenburg; and David Moeller, Glenwood; and Republicans Tom Knollman, in office now, and Lynn Sheets, Liberty; and Randy Lyness, West Harrison.

Incumbent prosecuting attorney Melvin Wilhelm, Brookville, a Democrat, is unopposed.

Major party candidates for the offices of U.S. senator; U.S. representative; state senator; state representative; circuit, superior or small claims court judge; and prosecuting attorney must be certified by the Indiana Election Division. Co-directors Bradley King and Pamela Potesta certified these candidates March 8.

Debbie Blank can be contacted at 812-934-4343, Ext. 113; or debbie.blank@ batesvilleheraldtribune.com.