Lengthy ballot awaits Bradle voters in 2010

CLEVELAND, Tenn. -- Theba Hamilton was elected chairwoman of the Bradley County Election Commission on Tuesday.

Ms. Hamilton, who has served on the election commission member since April 2001, will lead the panel through the 2010 election year. She takes over from Oscar Kelley, who was interim chairman after Harlan White's recent death.

"I don't think anybody can ever fill Harlan's shoes,'' Ms. Hamilton said Tuesday.

Commissioners on Tuesday also got an idea just how large the ballots are likely to be in the May 2010 primary election.

Nov. 20 was the first date potential candidates could start circulating nominating petitions. The final day is Feb. 18.

As of noon Tuesday, 46 petitions had been picked up. The qualifying deadline -- when potential candidates must have petitions returned and certified as complete and correct -- is April 20.

Election Director Fran Green said she has initial paperwork, such as campaign finance leaders, from others who have not picked up qualifying petitions.

"This would be a pretty long ballot,'' commissioner Dana Burgner said as he looked over the list of petition holders so far.

As of Tuesday, five people have picked up petitions for sheriff: Emary "Chip'' Bryant, Ralph Creel, Steve Lawson, James Ruth and James Smith. Mr. Creel has returned his petition.

County Mayor D. Gary Davis also has returned his petition. The only other petition circulating so far in that race is from Paul Edward Krisle, according to the commission list.

County Commissioner Lisa Stanbery and local resident Chris Weir have said they will run for county mayor, but neither has yet picked up a petition.