JEFFERSON CITY | Eastern Jackson County voters looking for early insight into what could be one of the closest primaries of the 2010 election season should head to Moreland Ridge Middle School in Blue Springs on Tuesday night.
State Rep. Bryan Pratt, of Blue Springs, is holding a town hall meeting from 6 to 8 p.m.
Pratt, the House speaker pro tem, is one of two incumbent Republican state representative lawyers with a variation of the first name "Brian" vying for the 8th District Senate Seat, which includes Lee's Summit, Blue Springs and rural Jackson County.
His opponent is Brian Yates, of Lee's Summit.
The race is sure to be one of the most closely watched in next August's primary, since it also represents a battle between Republican political consultants in the state. Yates is aligned with KC consultant Jeff Roe, while Pratt has connections to former House Speaker Rod Jetton.
In any case, the primary likely will decide the district's next state senator. Incumbent Sen. Matt Bartle will be termed out.
Pratt announced his candidacy last month. Yates has also declared his candidacy, via his Facebook page, but has not held any public events.
Pratt's townhall starts at 6 p.m. at Moreland Ridge Middle School, 900 SW Bishop Drive, Blue Springs.
