A 6 p.m. political straw poll at New Boston High School auditorium is slated today for Bowie County residents and candidates running for political offices, according to officials.
A chili supper takes place an hour before the event to raise money for New Boston Fire Department, which hosts the event at the high school.
The Bowie County straw poll has taken place every election cycle since 1976 and is meant to give citizens a chance to hear candidates speak and share their positions on various issues as well as give candidates a feel for their current standings before the March 1st election.
"Generally they will give the candidates a set amount of time to speak before residents cast their vote," said Gary Singleton, Bowie County Republican Party chairman. "Anyone who attends the event will be able to join in on the straw poll."
Thirty primary candidates have filed for 14 Bowie County and county-related offices, according to an earlier Gazette staff report.
Lou Gigiotti challenges incumbent John Ratcliffe for the District 4 U.S. representative spot.
Bryan Hughes, David Simpson, James "Red" Brown and Mike Lee contend for the District 1 Texas state senator position.
George Lavender challenges incumbent Gary Van Deaver for Texas state representative, District 1.
Bowie County Sheriff James Prince faces challenger Jay Womack.
Shorty Barrett and John Tidwell contend for the 202nd Judicial District judgeship.
Charles Keith McDaniel challenges incumbent Nancy Talley for Justice of the Peace Precinct 1, Place 1.
Incumbent Sammy Stone faces Dirk Parrish and Frank Baugus for Precinct 1 commissioner, while James Strain and James Raymond Hanna contend for Precinct 3 commissioner.
Chris Tallion and Russell G. Crawford compete for Precinct 4 constable, while Robbie Caudle and Kenneth L. Foster contend for Precinct 5 constable.
Except for Democratic candidates Stone, Parrish and Crockett, all other candidates are members of the Republican Party, according to a
Gazette report.