Gwinnett Daily Post

LAWRENCEVILLE - A third person entered the fray Thursday for the Republican nomination for chairman.

Glenn Pirkle, a 54-year-old electrical contractor from Buford, filed qualifying papers with the GOP to run for the head of the Board of Commissioners.

He will square off in July against incumbent Charles Bannister and Commissioner Lorraine Green.

Also Thursday, a retired Lawrenceville woman, Peggy Armstrong, challenged Sen. Renee Unterman in the Republican primary

Democrats signed up for November battles against incumbent legislators:

· Tim Riley will challenge Ralph Hudgens for the Senate district that includes Barrow County.

· Allan Burns, who ran against U.S. Rep. John Linder two years ago, filed paperwork to challenge state Rep. David Casas, R-Lilburn.

· Tony Lentini signed up for a rematch against Rep. Melvin Everson, R-Snellville.

While District 3 Commissioner Mike Beaudreau drew a Republican challenger earlier this week, political newcomer Earl Hendon of Dacula signed up Thursday for the race as a Democrat.

The qualifying period ends at noon today.

SideBar: At a glance

The following candidates filed paperwork Wednesday to qualify for offices representing Gwinnett and Barrow counties.

State Senator, District 9, Don Balfour, R (i)

State Senator, District 45, Peggy Armstrong, R

State Senator, District 47, Ralph Hudgens, R (i)

State Senator, District 47, Tim Riley, D

State Representative, District 88, Robford Hill, D

State Representative, District 103, Allan Burns, D

State Representative, District 106, Tony Lentini, D

Gwinnett BOC, chairman, Glenn Pirkle, R

Gwinnett BOC, District 3, Earl Hendon, D

Barrow BOC, District 3, Tom Williamson, R

Barrow Board of Education, District 2, Bill Bramlett, R (i)

Barrow Chief Magistrate, Johnny C. Smith, D