SUMMIT COUNTY — Local Democrats may be voting in a wide-open primary in August to choose a candidate for county commissioner.

Karn Stiegelmeier, chair of the Blue River Sierra Club group, formally announced her candidacy Tuesday in Silverthorne. Three other Democrats have expressed an interest in running for the spot: Jeff Leigh, Kerry Gibson and Jim Headley.

All four of the potential candidates spoke at a recent Summit County Democratic Party meeting. At least three have started the formal process of running for office.

Stiegelmeier, Leigh and Gibson have pulled petitions from the County Clerk’s office and started gathering the signatures needed to qualify for a spot on the ballot.

The last Democratic primary for a county commissioner spot was in 2004, when then-incumbent Bill Wallace won a primary duel against Barb Crandall. Wallace was also involved in a heated primary in 2006 against then-incumbent Marcia Osborn.

Stiegelmeier, a long-time community activist and former teacher, advocated for a common countywide vision, with no more fighting over tax revenues and tourists, as she announced her bid on a bridge across the Blue River.

The race is for the seat being vacated by Republican Tom Long, representing the Lower Blue district.

Local Republicans chose Long’s wife, Peggy Long, as their candidate. She serves on the Silverthorne Town Council.

County Commissioner Thomas Davidson will also run for re-election after being appointed to his seat last year by local Dems. So far, nobody has announced a challenge to Davidson, either in the Democratic primary or the general election in November.

Summit County Republican Party chair Debra Irvine said she knows of no other Republican candidates at this point.

Stiegelmeier gained some political savvy when she managed the campaign for Gary Lindstrom’s final successful bid for a seat in the State House of Representatives in 2004.

Set against a backdrop of the sparkling river and bluebird sky, Stiegelmeier — an avid hiker, skier and river runner — promised to run as a powerful advocate for the environment.

“I have a lifelong passion for environmental protection that I believe is at the core of our quality of life and future prosperity,” Stiegelmeier wrote in her campaign web site (www.vote4karn.org).

“We are at a critical crossroad in a rapidly changing world. We can retain and enhance our quality of life through careful promotion and investment in our healthy environment and economy, and enhancement of our healthy communities," Stiegelmeier said.

Democrats can expect a big turnout in the Aug. 12 primary, said local political consultant David Cunningham.

“What’s really going to be the driver is, we have a major race for Congress,” Cunningham said. The primary contest between Joan Fitz-Gerald, Will Shafroth and Jared Polis is attracting national attention, Cunningham said. “The Dems are going to empty their piggybanks in Colorado,” he added.

“August will be an exciting time for Democrats,” Cunningham said. Interest in all levels or races is high, and Colorado voters could also face a huge number of ballot issues, including right-to-work, abortion, severance taxes for the oil and gas industy, a school-funding bill proposed by Gov. Bill Ritter, and possibly even a local measure to finane forest healt work and fund local government, including the open space program.

“CMC will need to offer a special course just to teach people about the ballot initiatives,” Cunningham said.

“It’s a political consultant’s dream year. I hope to make a little extra money this year,” he concluded with a chuckle.

<i>Bob Berwyn can be reached at (970) 331-5996, or at bberwyn@summitdaily.com.</i>

For information on registration deadlines and other voting issues, go to http://www.co.summit.co.us/Elections/index.htm.