Thompson Files for MD Delegate 4-A as Frederick County, Maryland Candidate Filing Deadline is Today - Updates throughout the Day

George Wenschhof

The Frederick County, Maryland Board of Elections will keep their doors open until 9:00 PM ET tonight as the deadline for candidate filing is today.

The long rumored filing is now official as current Frederick County Commissioner John "Lenny" Thompson (R) filed for state delegate in district 4-A.

The incumbent delegates in 4-A are Republicans Paul Stull and Joe Bartlett. Only one Democrat; Ryan Trout has filed in this long time Republican dominated district where two delegates are elected.

Other Republicans to file are Kathy Afzali and Kelly Schulz. One "Unaffiliated" candidate; Scott Guenther has filed.

Incumbent delegate Joe Bartlett has come under fire as some of his state issued rental payments for lodging during time spent in Annapolis during session were paid to his girlfriend.

In district 4-B, incumbent Republican Donald Elliott appears safe for reelection. he is again being challenged by perennial Democratic candidate Timothy Schlauch. His Republican opponents are Bret Grossnickle and Bob Lubitz.

The state senator in district 4 is David Brinkley (R) who is being challenged by Republican Kathryn Freed. Brinkley, a popular state senator experienced a publicized marital issue during his current term which included an alleged relationship with his aide.

As of this date, his marital issues have not attracted negative press and no Democrat has filed to oppose him in this Republican voter dominated district.

In district 3, incumbent state senator Alex Mooney (R) is running without opposition in the primary. Democrats Don DeArmon and Ron Young will face each other in the primary September 14.

In district 3-A, which favors Democrats in voter registration, incumbent Galen Clagett (D) is running for reelection. Democrat Sue Hecht announced her retirement which has led to many seeking her vacant seat. Republican Patrick Hogan who lost by only a few hundred votes to Galen Clagett in the last election is running to reclaim the seat he had held for one term.

Prominent Scott Rolle, who was previously the Frederick County State's Attorney and a previous candidate for congress in the sixth district will be a formidable candidate. Other Republicans to file are Chris Huckenpoehler and Chuck Knapp. Huckenpoehler ran for City of Frederick alderman last year and lost in the general election. Also running is Democrat Candy Greenway.

Look to see the two emerging Republicans from the primary to be competitive in the general election, even in a Democratic leaning district. This race is a good possibility for a pick up for Republicans.

Over in district 3-b, Democrat Paul Gilligan is hoping the third time is the charm and does not represent a strike out. His previous two efforts resulted in losses. The current battle appears to be in the primary between Republicans Charles Jenkins and Michael Hough with the winner likely the next state delegate from the district.

Stay tuned for updates throughout the day.

Frederick County Board of Elections has the full list of candidates here.

1:47 PM ET Update - Republican Dino Flores has filed for delegate in district 4-A, becoming the sixth Republican vying for two seats in the primary September 14.

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