Decision time nears on national, local races

By Staff
Leada Gore, Hartselle Enquirer
Record numbers of voters are expected to turn out at the polls next Tuesday, drawn to casting a ballot by a close presidential race and a slate of candidates seeking county offices.
Polls will be open Nov. 2 from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Alabama law requires voters show identification when they vote. Photo identification, such as a driver's license or a utility bill, hunting or fishing license, bank statement or paycheck with the voter's name and address on it can all serve as identification.
On the national scene, voters will choose between Republican President George W. Bush and Democratic challenger Sen. John Kerry. Neither candidate has paid a visit to Alabama, a state that in the past 20 years has switched from the home of Southern Democrats to one of the staunchest republican states in the country.
The GOP growth can be seen in local races as well, headlined by the party change of District Attorney Bob Burrell. Burrell faces Democratic challenger Catherine Phillips Halbrooks, who is making her first run for elected office. Burrell is seeking his fourth term as Morgan County DA.
The other headline race is for Chairman of the Morgan County Commission, where Republican John Glasscock faces democrat Jeff Clark. Glasscock currently represents district two on the commission. Clark represents district one.
There are two other commission races as well.
Democrat Don Stisher, who currently represents district three, faces Morgan County School Board member Kevin Murphy, a Republican.
The first Republican ever elected to the Morgan County Commission, Stacy Lee George, is seeking his second term in office. Also vying for the opportunity to represent district four is Rickey Borden.
There's only one contested race on the Morgan County School Board. Democrat Gary Cobb faces challenger Betty Posey Hackett. Dora Sanders Woodard is running unopposed for the district four seat.
Other races on Tuesday's ballot include: