TODAY, WE BEGIN TO SEE WHO'S REALLY SERIOUS!

Many of us who follow local politics have been talking and/or guessing for months about who's going to run for local or state office, and who's supporters are standing out in the heat collecting petition cards so their prospective candidate can avoid having to write the check to qualify.

Well, friends, beginning today we will see who's truly serious, who's successful, and who realized their long shot effort was just that. Qualifying to get on the ballot officially begins at noon today and ends at noon Friday.

It's going to be an interesting week to watch if there are still any individuals out there we didn't know about ready to run. Here in Polk County, you can keep up with the action by checking out the candidate list from Supervisor of Elections Lori Edwards.

And while I'm writing this, I've gotta salute Ms. Edwards. When she was elected to the SOE post in 2000 after being term limited out of the Legislature, she had a big spot to fill. She was replacing a long time and well respected SOE who decided to retire, and Ms. Edwards has done a wonderful job in the six years she has served. She does have the advantage of a great staff, led by Assistsant SOE Barbara Osthoff, who this year is celebrating 30 years with the office.