With qualifying done, the race for County Commission for the district based in east Pasco got a surprise write-in: John Taylor. Taylor, Republican since March, has had a district address on his voter registration since Tuesday. He also happens to have signed a petition on April 22 to put Republican John Nicolette on the ballot to unseat Ted Schrader, a Republican incumbent.

The effect of the write-in candidacy: the primary, which would have been open to all voters since only two Republicans were running, now is closed to all but the 110,000 Republicans among Pasco's 280,000 registered voters. Nicolette has enjoyed support among Pasco Republican executive committee, and a closed primary gives them more influence.

--David DeCamp, Times staff writer