First, I recommend you check out Riley Sweeney's blog of the action in the courthouse from 3 to 4:30 p.m. as filing week closed. 

The filing week closed with some new candidates.   And these entries have changed the dynamics of the campaigns - a lot.  Some best laid plans are probably being revised this very evening.  Much of the preliminary planning is how to position a candidate.  I think we are in for the most exciting primary election campaigns we have ever seen.  Four big contests are virtual tossups to be decided by early August for important offices.  

Steve Moore filed this morning for Bellingham Mayor.  Steve knows the businesses and economy of Bellingham better than most anyone.  He is an excellent speaker, is a dynamic person, and will put his all into the campaign.  His late and unexpected filing puts a major damper on Clayton Petree's campaign.   Steve will go after the same supporters as Clayton. And we can expect him to chip away at possible supporters of Kelli Linville also.  Dan Pike's campaign will not be affected, although Steve will probably bring strong criticism of Pike's actions as mayor.  

David Stalheim filed after 4 p.m. for Whatcom County Executive.  Dave is a former planner for the county and will be seen as the environmental candidate.  His entry shifts how Tom Anderson campaigns and they will go after the same supporters.  Doug Erickson and Jack Louws are also affected.  The chances now arise of both Erickson and Louws in the general election - but only if they go easy on each other and hard on Tom and Dave.   Before Dave entered, we expected Doug and Jack to really contest for the single conservative place on the general election ballot.  But now it could be Doug 26%, Jack 26%, Dave 24% and Tom 24%.  

Those were the two late filings today that change those two contests.  

The sheriff's campaign will see two deputies try to unseat Sheriff Bill Elfo.  Steve Harris and Bob Taylor can be expected to bring out many issues on the sheriff's office during July.  Bill Elfo has a real challenge on his hands.  Steve Harris in particular will have very strong backing from many groups not happy with Elfo's practices.  

Ferndale Mayor Gary Jensen has three challengers, two of them from his city council.  There is a lot of contention in Ferndale about Gary's priorities and fiscal practices.  This will be a rough election - and while I expect Gary to prevail, there may be a lot of shouting in this contest.

An exciting primary.  And the action should start really soon.  Ballots will be mailed in about six weeks - about July 26.  There is no time to squander for any candidates.