John Threet, the prosecuting attorney in Washington and Madison counties, is running for a Circuit Court judgeship in the 2014 election, he told 5NEWS on Tuesday (June 18).
With Threet not seeking re-election to a third four-year term, his chief deputy, Matt Durrett, told 5NEWS he will run for the prosecuting attorney post.
The 4th Judicial Circuit, covering Washington and Madison counties, has two open judge positions, including one created this week when Division I Circuit Judge Bill Storey declared he is running for the Fayetteville District Court seat. The District Court seat became open with the death in April of Rudy Moore Jr.
The other open Circuit Court seat was created by the retirement last year of Judge Kim Smith. The Division II appointee named to replace him, Judge Doug Martin, cannot seek election to an appointed judicial position. Gov. Mike Beebe appointed Martin to the judgeship in November 2012.
Threet told 5NEWS he will decide which division to seek in the late summer or early fall, when he makes a formal announcement.
The election is set for May 2014.
