Today is the first day candidates for the April 24 primary election may circulate and file their nomination petitions. They can do so through Feb. 14.

Up for re-election this year are U.S. Rep. Glenn Thompson, RHoward Township, and Democratic U.S. Sen. Bob Casey.

At the state level, all House members are up for re-election this year, including Reps. Kerry Benninghoff, R-Bellefonte; Scott Conklin, D-Rush Township; Mike Fleck, R-Three Springs; Camille “Bud” George, D-Houtzdale; and Mike Hanna, D-Lock Haven. Fleck and George will represent parts of Centre County under the state’s redistricting plan.

State posts on the ballet this year include attorney general and auditor general.

Pennsylvania candidates up for re-election this year include Reps. Kerry Benninghoff, R-Bellefonte; Scott Conklin, D-Rush Township; Mike Fleck, R-Three Springs; Camille “Bud” George, D-Houtzdale; and Mike Hanna, D-Lock Haven.

Benninghoff Conklin

County elections director Joyce McKinley said the only local primary candidates on the ballot will be those running for chairman and vice chairman of the county Republican Party. The county Democratic party elects those positions as a group, and not on the ballot. They will elect their precinct committee officials on the ballot in two years.

County Democrats will hold a petition-signing potluck starting at 1:30 p.m. Sunday at the Centre Hall Lions Club, 153 E. Church St. For more information, visit www.centrecountydems.com.

Their Republican counterparts are planning several petition-signing events, including one at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 8 at GOP headquarters, 1315 S. Allen St., Suite 203, State College. For more information, visit centregop.org.

Jessica VanderKolk can be reached at 235-3910.