Time to qualify for party elections for House Seat 40 is officially over. According to the Alabama Republican Party, five Republicans will vie for the vacant seat. Jay Dill, Debra Jones, and Bill Lester will join Tom Shelton and K.L. Brown in the race.

Dill says it will be a tough race, but knows everyone is doing his or her best to continue the good work Lea Fite did. The seat became vacant when Fite died several weeks ago.

Jones has been a resident of White Plains for about five years. She has been married to William Jones for 17 years and has five kids, ages 8 to 17. She has been an attorney for 20 years and currently works in Anniston.

During her time in law, Jones says she has witnessed the hurts and needs of people, and that has given her a passion to help other people. She hopes to take that passion to the House.

Jones helped found the Calhoun Cleburne Children's Advocacy Center that helps children who have been physically and sexually abused get justice though the legal system. She also has pushed legislation though Montgomery that includes a felony DUI law.

Jones says that she feels ethics and accountability is very important when it comes to government, and she hopes to bring that to the House.

Lester ran for congress in Texas in 2004. He says he is ready to try again to make the community a better place. He has been an associate professor of Political Science/Public Administration at Jacksonville State University for five years. He has also worked part time as a youth pastor for 23 years and currently works at West Park Heights Baptist in Wellborn. He and his wife, Sharon, will have been together for 20 years next summer. They have seven kids that range from eight months to 18 years old.

Lester describes himself as a family man. He wants to focus on community and economic development, giving young people opportunities. He believes education is a key to accomplish this.

He says that no matter if he wins or loses, he looks forward to meeting the community and talking with them about the issues.

Ricky Whaley will be the only Democrat to run.

The primary elections will be held on Jan. 5th, with a runoff to be held Feb. 16th if needed and the election to be held March 30th. If there is no need for a runoff, the election for House Seat 40 will be moved to Feb. 16th. Independent candidates have until Jan. 13th to not only register, but also to collect 348 registered voters' signatures.

Jacksonville resident Carol Hagen is attempting to run as an independent.