Write-in plan fizzles

JOEY DAUBEN

WAXAHACHIE – A potential Republican write-in candidacy for Precinct 3 constable fizzled when local party officials determined the 21-year-old candidate might be prevented from running.

David Tidwell, the youngest member of the Ellis County Republican Party’s executive committee, had toyed with the idea of running against Democrat Jimmie Ray in a historically "blue" precinct.

In lieu of obtaining signatures to get on the ballot as a write-in, Tidwell was planning to pay a fee, but to be sworn in as a constable, law enforcement education rules require at least a two-year degree.

Tidwell could not be reached for comment, but he told The Ellis County Press last week his plans were tentative and that a look in voter registration numbers revealed more Republicans in the east Waxahachie-to-east-Ennis district.

Ray has no general election opponent after defeating a primary foe in March.

Constables serve as bailiffs in justice of the peace precincts, and Tidwell indicated Republicans are eyeing Precinct 3 against incumbent Judge Curtis Polk. Democrats, however, are reportedly gearing up to back the candidacy of their own write-in candidate, Susan Welch-Rodriguez, for sheriff.

Her candidacy is official, according to the official filing fee and candidacy paperwork Welch-Rodriguez, who works as a sheriff deputy for Dallas County’s sheriff’s office, filed last week.