One of the eight people vying to become Lowndes County’s next circuit clerk is bowing out of the race.
Chuck Easley has confirmed to The Dispatch that he is withdrawing from the field. Easley said he made the decision late last week. He did not elaborate as to why.
A 65-year-old Columbus-based attorney, Easley served on the Mississippi Supreme Court from 2001 to 2008. He was the only lawyer running to replace longtime Circuit Clerk Haley Salazar, who has held the seat since 1991 and is not seeking a seventh term.
The primary election for elected posts throughout the county is Aug. 4.
The seven remaining candidates vying for the circuit clerk position are:
■ Teresa Barksdale
Republican
Age: 52
A deputy circuit clerk in the criminal records division for 20 years, she’s also the daughter of former deputy circuit clerk Mary Clark.
■ Sheri Taylor Bedwell
Libertarian
Did not return messages Friday or Saturday from The Dispatch
■ Margie Canon
Republican
Age: 55
Canon retired after 29 years of teaching students with special needs in Columbus.
■ Tim Heard
Independent
Age: 53
Heard has worked with Golden Triangle Planning and Development District for 21 years, where he has provided computing services for all seven counties in the planning district, including Lowndes.
■ Jackie Leach
Independent
Age: 49
A former teacher, Leach is now a substitute and volunteer with Columbus Municipal School District. She represented Ward 5 on the Columbus City Council from 1993-97.
■ Joseph Mickens
Democrat
Age: N/A
Mickens is serving his second term as Columbus councilman for Ward 2. He owns Floor Specialist in Columbus.
■ Justin Shelton
Republican
Age: 40
Co-owner of the Columbus Packet and is president of Justin International Products, a textile exporting company. He was defeated in the circuit clerk race in 2012.
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