The deadline for submitting applications for the vacant seat on the Citizens Clean Elections Commission has been extended to 5 p.m. on Jan. 16.

In a news release issued Dec. 31, the original deadline for applications, Arizona Secretary of State Jan Brewer said, “We have extended this deadline to make sure we fine a candidate who has the experience and is someone who will represent all citizens of the state.”

Kevin Tyne, deputy secretary of state, said, “We got only a handful of applicants.”

“Since the deadline did end the week of the holidays, and we saw we do have a bit more time [before the commission’s February meeting, when the new commissioner will be seated], we decided to go ahead and extend it a couple of more weeks,” Mr. Tyne said.

The Citizens Clean Elections Commission administers public campaign funding for candidates seeking state elective offices. Commissioners serve five-year terms.

Appointments to the commission rotate among the top elected officeholders of each major party, subject to the requirements set out in ARS 16-955. This time around, Mrs. Brewer, being the state’s top elected Republican, gets to choose someone other than a Democrat to fill the vacancy.

The new commissioner will succeed Gene Lemon, a Republican, whose term on the commission will expire Jan. 31.

Application forms are available on the Clean Election Commission’s Web site, www.ccec.state.az.us/ccecscr/home.asp, or at the commission office at 1616 W. Adams St., Suite 110, Phoenix. Information: (602) 364-3477. —