Mike Sharp

CLEVELAND, Tenn. — Republicans from the four-county 10th Judicial District chose Cleveland attorney Mike Sharp Saturday as their candidate for circuit court judge.

Hundreds of delegates from Bradley, McMinn, Monroe and Polk counties filled the Walker Valley High School auditorium to nominate Mr. Sharp. No one else was nominated from the convention floor.

“I know this is a personal sacrifice to come out today to help me,’’ he told the delegates.

Mr. Sharp’s name will be on the August ballot to fill the remaining six years of the term won in 2006 by John B. Hagler. Mr. Hagler resigned Dec. 31, 2007, after being confronted with an embarrassing tape recording he had made.

On March 1, Gov. Phil Bredesen appointed Democrat Ginger Wilson Buchanan to fill the vacancy until the August election. Mrs. Buchanan, a former county commissioner and general sessions court judge candidate in 2006, previously said she will also be a candidate.

Mr. Sharp said he had considered being a candidate two years ago if Judge Hagler decided against running.

“Things worked out differently from what any of us expected,’’ Mr. Sharp told delegates.

Dr. John Stanbery, GOP Third District Chairman, said the party was notified too late to place candidates on the ballot for the early Tennessee primary this year. That, he said, prompted the party to hold the convention in order to get a candidate qualified in time.

State Sen. Dewayne Bunch, R-Cleveland said the number of delegates was based on the 2004 presidential election with each 100 votes equaling one delegate. Delegate totals Saturday included: Bradley, 269; McMinn, 110; Monroe 101 and Polk County, 40.

The candidate

* Name: Mike Sharp

* Education: Cleveland High School, East Tennessee State University undergraduate degree and University of Tennessee Law School.

* Career: Practiced law in Cleveland since 1989.

* Family: Mr. Sharp and wife Melanie have been married 25 years and have two children.