An incumbent election commissioner has picked up an opponent for the fall election.

     Tiffany Spencer Furr has qualified to run for election commissioner in District Two. The incumbent, Mike Byrne, has also filed paperwork and officially declared his candidacy.

     Election commissioner candidates may continue to qualify until June 4.

     Furr believes her personality is suited to an elected post.

     “I speak to people real easy. I’m a people person,” Furr said. “That’s what attracted me to public office initially.”

     Byrne pointed to the 12 years of experience he would bring to the job.

     “I haven’t gotten tired of it yet,” said Byrne, who’s completing his third term.

     Furr has qualified as a Republican, Byrne as a Democrat, though there will be no partisan primaries. All candidates will be listed on the Nov. 6 general election ballot. If needed, a runoff will follow on Nov. 27.

     Furr said she’s been encouraged by Lincoln County GOP Chairman John Roberts to seek elected office.

     Currently, Furr provides part-time in-home care to an elderly woman, and the schedule is flexible enough to accommodate election commissioner duties. Furr has also previously been self-employed and believes that experience will be of benefit as she campaigns.

     Though her opponent boasts many years in the office, Furr believes she has many of the fundamental skills needed for success.

     “As far as I know, the job itself would be mostly in the office and I’d be responsible for conducting or holding elections,” Furr said. “From the way it’s been explained to me, the bulk of the job is computer.”

     Furr said she’s previously worked as a secretary to a school counselor and believes the background with computers would be an asset.

     Furr expressed regret that Byrne is the candidate she will face.

     “I love him to death,” Furr said. “I’ve known him my whole life.”

     Furr said she expects to begin campaigning soon with plans for yard signs and push cards nearing completion.

     In District Three, Stan Long has qualified to run for election commissioner. There is no incumbent in that race following the decision of Barbara Davis not to seek another term.

     In District Four, interim commissioner Betty Rushing has qualified to seek a full term.

     District One Election Commissioner James Tillman and District Five Election Commissioner Marsha Warren have both qualified to seek re-election.

     So far, District Two is the only contested race.