PORT ANGELES — Saying voters don’t care about party politics at the local level, County Commissioner Mike Chapman filed for re-election as an independent.
His action Thursday removed the possibility that two Republicans might run against each other.
Earlier Thursday, Port Angeles attorney David R. Fox filed to seek the same office as a Democrat, and Terry Roth remained the choice of the Clallam County GOP.
All three will appear on the ballot voters in county commissioner District 2 will receive for the Aug. 19 primary election.
The top two vote getters will advance to the general election — and run countywide — that will end Nov. 4.
Chapman had run as a Republican in his initial election in 2000 and in his re-election four years ago.
But he was read out of the Clallam County party Feb. 19 for endorsing his Democratic colleague, Steve Tharinger of Dungeness, and contributing $10 to his campaign.
At the time, Chapman said the contribution ensured that the state Public Disclosure Commission would list him as official Tharinger supporter.
