Cole County: Republican race for county assessor

There are few contested races on primary ballots for Cole County -- mostly party committee member seats.

But one Republican officeholder is facing a challenge in his primary. Four-term Assessor Chris Estes is facing a challenge from Tim Theroff. Estes has a long tenure that in recent years has been marked by fighting with county commissioners over property tax assessments.

Political newcomer Theroff says he has a quarter-century of experience appraising real estate and knows Central Missouri real estate. He is also the general manager of the not-for-profit Riverview Cemetery Association.

Theroff has a head-start on fundraising, forming a committee early and reporting about $9,500 in campaign cash as of early April. Estes filed his campaign committee in April and won't have to file any contribution reports until July.