Elko County could have one of the quietest elections in memory with just two races contested with less than a day left to file.
Incumbents Assessor Katrinka Russel, Treasurer Becky Ericksen, and District Attorney Marc Torvinen were all quick to file but no challengers have yet to step up to the plate. The dearth of political opponents contrast with the 2012 and 2010 race where every single race not only had a challenger but in most cases necessitated a primary.
The only contested races so far are the ones for Sheriff where Jim Pitts is up against Melinda Kahle and Ronald Rylander; County Recorder between incumbent Mike Smales and Cheryl Smith and Public Administrator between Mike Smith and Janyce Jenkins.
Kahle made history just by filing as the first woman candidate for County Sheriff in history. Kahle may however have to share the spot light with Penny Jo Robison who filed against White Pine Sheriff Dan Watts in Ely. Rylander also made history of a sort, the same day he filed he was arrested for drunk driving.
The only other contested race is for the Elko County Commission District 2 seat that pits John Carpenter against Delmo Andreozzi.
The dearth of challengers also extends to the state Assembly race where incumbent John Ellison currently is the only candidate. Two years ago Ellison had to fight off a number of challengers in the primary and later in the general election. Representing one of the largest geographical districts in the country, Ellison has earned the distinction of being the most conservative assemblyman in the legislature.
