Garland Co. House, Senate races shaping up

Of the legislative races shaping up around the state for the 2010 elections, more will take place in Garland County than just about any other. Term limits and an open Senate seat will create a few open House seats in the county, and both Senate seats that are in the county are also up for grabs due to term limits. Here's a rundown of House and Senate seats in the county and a list of probable, if not official, candidates for the seats:

House: District 23 (SW tip of the county): Randy Stewart (D-Kirby) - running for 3rd term District 24 (Hot Springs): Open due to term limits - Rick Saunders (D) running for Senate District 25 (Hot Springs): Open due to Gene Shelby running for Senate. HS atty John Vines (D) has announced District 26 (southern/eastern tips): Open due to term limits - Mike Burris (D-Malvern) may run for Senate District 30 (northern/central/rural Garland Co.): Open due to term limits - Bill Sample (R) may run for Senate

Senate: District 19: Dems Rick Saunders and Gene Shelby will vie in the primary to run against Bill Sample (R) in the general. The seat is open due to Sen. Terry Smith vacating the seat because of term limits. District 27: Seat is open due to Sen. Steve Faris leaving because of term limits. Possible candidates: Reps. Mike Burris (D-Malvern), Bobby Pierce (D-Sheridan) and ASP Capt. Mike Fletcher, a Democrat.