This is why I've always said you've already lost if you are running as anything but the "R" for like county commission, especially the farther west of say, Lawrence, you go. Anymore, I think more and more are running republican even if they aren't and hoping they can win the primary, then it's a shoo-in.
I really wish there was a way to make local elections non-party, as in all honesty, does party really matter at that level? I like how many cities do it like that, that way, voters actually have to listen and learn who to vote for instead of just ticking the "R" box