Brian Patterson.

Gov. Brian Kemp has set a Thursday deadline for applications for the position of district attorney for the Western Judicial Circuit consisting of Clarke and Oconee counties.

Brian Patterson, currently chief assistant district attorney, has said he will apply for the appointment.

Deborah Gonzalez, former House District 117 representative, has said she will not submit her application.

Prior to the announcement two weeks ago by incumbent District Attorney Ken Mauldin that he will resign effective Feb. 29, Patterson and Gonzalez were competing for the Democratic Party nomination for district attorney in the March 19 primary. Mauldin is a Democrat.

That primary will not be held because Mauldin is not filling out his term.

If Kemp, a Republican, makes his appointment by May 3, Patterson and Gonzalez–and any other candidates–could meet in a special election on Nov. 3.

If Kemp makes the appointment after May 3, the person selected will be able to hold that office until 2022 without an election.

Kemp has not said when he will make the appointment.

For more, visit Oconee County Observations.