GALLIPOLIS - Local interest in Tuesday's election will focus on four races, two of them for countywide offices and the others for the legislature.

Incumbent Gallia County Commissioner Harold Montgomery is seeking a second term and is facing a challenge from Democrat Justin Fallon of Patriot.

Montgomery, a Republican, served two terms as commissioner in the 1990s before regaining office in 2002. Fallon, who operates a landscaping business, is mounting his first run at elective office in this race.

Similarly, Mark Kirkhart of Thurman is seeking public office for the first time as a Democratic candidate for county auditor. He is challenging incumbent Republican Larry Betz, who's seeking a third term.

Betz is a former county treasurer, a post he held for almost a decade before becoming auditor in 1999. Kirkhart currently operates a farm in Raccoon Township.

State Rep. Clyde Evans of Rio Grande, a Republican, is in the running for a third term representing the 87th House District of Gallia, Jackson, Vinton, and eastern Lawrence and Ross counties.

The former educational administrator is opposed by Democrat Nick Rupert of New Plymouth, also a political newcomer.

Wellston's John A. Carey, who has represented the 17th state Senate District since 2003, is seeking a second four-year term serving the district, which includes Gallia County.

A Republican who preceded Clyde Evans as state representative, Carey is opposed by April Howland of Chillicothe.

Several local questions will appear on ballots in different parts of Gallia, including: