Spokane County Republicans are searching for a replacement for long-time 4th District state Rep. Mike Padden.

County commissioners this week appointed Padden, 48, to the District Court bench to replace the late Raymond Tanksley, Jr.

The Spokane County Republican Party is now seeking nominations for some to fill Padden’s 4th District seat in the Legislature.

The 4th District Republican Club will hold a meeting April 7 to accept nominations. That meeting will begin at 7 p.m. at the Spokane County Library, 12004 E. Main.

Interested people must reside in the 4th District, which covers most of the Spokane Valley.

Nominees will be able to make a pitch to club members, who will then vote for the candidates.

The top three vote-getters will be forwarded to county commissioners, who will make the official appointment, said Charlotte Carling, party activist.

At least five people already have expressed interest in replacing Padden, Carling said.

They are:

Bob Blum, who ran Commissioner Phil Harris’ 1994 campaign and was a candidate for county assessor.

Clyde Haase, a county freeholder.

Al Lewis, also a freeholder.

Lynn Schindler, former party vice chairwoman.

Mark Sterk, a Spokane police officer who ran for sheriff last year.