Primary 2012: GOP Race in New Dist. 15

The Republican Party already has at least two candidates for the new District 15. Meanwhile, GOP Statehouse incumbents took care of the paperwork early.

Filing opened Friday in primary races for the state legislature and countywide offices. Candidates have until noon March 30 to file with their county party chair.

Created by the legislature last year to address growth in Berkeley County, District 15 includes the Pimlico area, some homes along Red Bank Road, as well as portions North Charleston around I-26's Ashley Phosphate exit and a sliver of Hanahan.

Berkeley County Republican Party Vice Chairman . He filed for the seat Friday.

Charlie Davis, the athletic director for the Berkeley County School District also filed for the seat Friday.

The competition means that Rivers will have to resign from his position with the county party.

The party's Statehouse incumbents have also filed, including Sens. Paul Campbell and Larry Grooms, as well as Reps. Joe Daning, Jim Merrill and Eddy Southard. Rep. Bill Crosby, who represents parts of Berkeley County, filed in Charleston on Friday.

County Councilman Bob Call has filed for re-election. Philip Farley and Tim Callanan are planning to file. Auditor Janet Jurosko and Treasurer Carolyn Umphlett have also filed. 

No Democrats had filed Friday afternoon, according to Berkeley County Democratic Party Chairwoman Melissa Watson. The party is holding its county convention today.