ST. GEORGE — Former Sanpete County Sheriff Grant Larsen said Tuesday he will challenge Washington County Sheriff Kirk Smith in his bid for a third term.

"I am very much in the race, and Washington County would do well to elect me," said Larsen, who has 40 years of experience in law enforcement, private security and investigative work but is not currently certified as a peace officer. "I feel like I have the training and experience to really make a difference."

Smith, who has been a law enforcement officer for 29 years, said he was encouraged by many community leaders, friends and other county officials to seek re-election.

Campaigning is "a long, grinding process," he said, "but it's something I want to do."

Washington County clerk/ auditor Cal Robison, who also filed for re-election Tuesday, said Larsen signed a statement indicating he is qualified to be certified as a law enforcement officer as defined under Utah law.

Robison said questions had arisen because Larsen is not currently certified, but the clerk added he had found no problems at this point. "That'll be up to his challengers if they want to bring it up," Robison added.

Challenging Smith for a second time is deputy Judy Randall, a 10-year veteran of the sheriff's department. Randall advanced in the Washington County Republican primary in 2002 but failed to unseat Smith at the polls. If elected, she would be the county's first female sheriff.

Others filing for re-election in Washington County were County Attorney Brock Belnap, County Commissioner James Eardley, Assessor Art Partridge and Recorder Russell Shirts.

County Commissioner Jay Ence decided not to run for re-election, paving the way for Santa Clara Mayor Denny Drake to file for the post.

Legislators choosing to file for re-election on Tuesday were Rep. Brad Last, R-St. George, District 71; Rep. David Clark, R-Santa Clara, District 74; and Rep. Steve Urquhart, R-St. George, District 75. The only other newcomer filing paperwork on Tuesday was Terry Williams, who plans to challenge Urquhart.

Fifth District Court judges Eric Ludlow and Michael Westfall will seek re-election, as will Paul Dame and Doug Whitlock as justice court judges.

Local school board members Laura Hesson and Wesley Christiansen will seek another term. And Sara Urquhart filed notice of her intention to campaign for a seat on the State Board of Education, District 15.

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E-mail: nperkins@desnews.com