Thirty-eight years ago, after a brief stint in the insurance business, Mary Ann Daigle joined the Galveston County Clerk's Office.

She eventually became longtime County Clerk Pat Ritchie's chief deputy before assuming the role herself seven years ago. Now, Daigle said she figures after almost four decades on the job it is time to "enjoy myself."

Daigle announced to her staff late Wednesday that she will not seek re-election. She told me that she plans to serve out her term and then step aside.

Daigle's announcement had barely stopped echoing in the county courthouse before two candidates tossed their hats into the ring. Daigle's chief deputy Brandy Chapman has already filed a campaign treasurer’s report while the county's election coordinator Douglas Godinich announced on Thursday that he too will run for the office.

Both will runs as Democrats. Haven't heard from any of the Republicans yet as to who may run for the GOP, but don't be surprised if former League City Councilwoman Barbara Meeks doesn't give it a try again.

So, four months away from the primaries and already the candidates for the 2010 county elections are lining up.

County Treasurer Kevin Walsh, a Republican, has already said he will run again. For the Democrats former Santa Fe Councilwoman Pam Schwertner has announced she wants to challenge Walsh.

District Clerk Latonia Wilson, a Democrat who always seems to be in campaign mode, will run again.

The Republican field for County Commissioner Precinct 2 is really crowded. Former Bayou Vista alderman and son of a legendary county commissioner Eddie Janek Jr. is so far in a field that includes Pct. 4 Deputy Constable Joe Giusti and Santa Fe businessman Kevin O'Brien. The winner will try to unseat Democrat Bryan Lamb, who is also a guy always in campaign mode.

County Court Judge Mary Nell Crapitto, a Democrat, has campaign signs up for her re-election bid and County District Attorney Kurt Sistrunk is also pressing the flesh trying to drum up support for his return to office.

Jack Roady has entered the district attorney's race for the Republicans.

With longtime Probate Judge Gladys Burwell also deciding not to seek re-election, her bench has two candidates. Democrat Phil Roberts of Texas City, who is a member of the Texas City school board, is running as is Republican Kim Sullivan who had her campaign kick off on Thursday.

As for the big ticket Galveston County race, Democrat Jim Yarbrough put down rumors months ago that he would resign to help clear the way for County Commissioner Patrick Doyle to run for the county's top elected job.

As for the county GOP? Well, the list of who says they won't is easier to figure out than who may seek to challenge Yarbrough next fall.

Former Friendswood Mayor pro-tem Chris Peden had considered running, but announced he won't. Pct. 4 County Commissioner Ken Clark, who locked horns with Yarbrough on the UTMB tax rate hike vote, put down rumors he was considering a run.

"I don't want to drive to Galveston every day," Clark said.

There's a rumor that political consultant Onzello Markum is mulling a run, but I don't give that one much credence. However, a former client of Markum's who was mayor of a north Galveston County city, may be considering tossing his hat into the ring, but no announcement seems imminent.

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