CLEVELAND, Tenn. — Registered Tennessee voters can start casting ballots today for the Aug. 7 county general and state primary election. Early voting continues through Aug. 2.

The race for the 10th Judicial District Circuit Court judge’s seat is the focus of interest in Bradley, Polk, McMinn and Monroe counties.

The incumbent is Ginger Wilson Buchanan, a Democrat. She was appointed in February by Gov. Phil Bredesen to fill the vacancy created with the retirement of John Hagler. Her Republican opponent is attorney Mike Sharp.

Mr. Sharp said his law practice reaches all counties in the district and covers many issues.

“When I started practicing law, I had the opportunity to start sitting, almost immediately, as a special judge in different courts in Cleveland,” Mr. Sharp said. “As a special judge during this 18-year period I have sat on nearly every sort of case.”

Mrs. Buchanan said she, too, has served as a substitute judge in General Sessions Court and as a campus court referee.

“I went through training to be a general civil mediator several years ago. Since that time I have mediated various cases of a civil nature and family law nature, and I think that has given me experience in that area.”

Other races of interest in Southeast Tennessee include crowded primaries in the 14th state Senate District seat and a handful of school board contests. There are municipal elections in Dayton and Spring City, a Rhea County sales tax resolution and the Republican primary for state House District 31.

Winners of the state and national primaries will be on the Nov. 4 ballot.

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