A line of voters stretches around the corner of the building at the Hamilton County Election Commission during early voting in this file photo.

With two months left to qualify to run for office, 49 potential candidates have taken the first step, and nearly half of them are locked in to the May 6, 2014, Hamilton County primary ballot.

Hamilton County Election Administrator Charlotte Mullis-Morgan said there is still plenty of time before the Feb. 20 qualifying deadline, but she suspects most candidates are already making the rounds.

"Usually, close to the deadline, there might be one or two who qualify. But usually the people who are really serious will pick up their petitions and get them turned in early," she said.

That is the case for 22 candidates who already have had their 25 signatures verified by Mullis-Morgan's office.

"If we have them listed as qualified, that means they've brought their petitions back in and they will appear on a ballot," she said.

Based on Friday's lists, there will be eight Republican and four Democratic primaries.

Republicans Joe Manuel and Pam Fleenor are seeking the GOP nod for the Chancery Court post being left by Chancellor Frank Brown.

Current Commissioner Larry Henry, who is leaving his seat to vie for the Circuit Court clerk post being vacated by Paula Thompson, will face opposition from Ron Parson, who is also seeking the Republican nomination.

The Division 1 Circuit Court judge seat to replace Judge Jacqueline Bolton is being sought by Republicans J.B. Bennett and Catherine Cate White.

In the County Commission, two Republican incumbents face primary challengers. Veteran Commissioner Fred Skillern is being challenged by Randy Fairbanks, a certified public accountant, in District 1. And District 8 Commissioner Tim Boyd will compete for Republican votes against former Commissioner Curtis Adams.

Three Republican newcomers will seek the soon-to-be vacated District 7 commission seat. Phil Smartt, Perry Perkins and Sabrena Turner are all seeking to fill Henry's shoes.

Longtime Republican Register of Deeds Pam Hurst will also have to defend her seat against Ryan Epperson and Paul Parker. And Sheriff Jim Hammond is being challenged by one of his own employees, Sgt. Chris Harvey.

Democrats will have to decide who they want serving in Commission Districts 4, 5 and 7, and as Criminal Court clerk.

Incumbent Commissioner Warren Mackey will see a challenge from Kirkland Robinson, and current Commissioner Greg Beck will have to defend against a bid by Isiah Hester.

In District 7, Democrats Pat Fountain and John R. Taylor Sr. are seeking the right to face off against the eventual Republican nominee.

Longtime Criminal Court Clerk Gwen Tidwell will also face Democratic opposition from challenger Brian White.

Republican Party Chairman Tony Sanders said there may be a few more candidates from his party to enter the fray, but for the most part, the board is set.

"As far as I know, there are a couple of names that I still haven't seen show up. But as far as I know the field is starting to flesh itself out," Sanders said.

But Democratic Chairman Terry Lee said the 11 Democratic candidates who've picked up qualifying petitions are the first of many.

"Oh yeah, we are a little less than half of the number who are going to pick up petitions," Lee said. "We've got time, but the longer you wait, the more people are going to be out there competing to raise money."

Lee said the Democrats hope to make big gains in 2014.

"I think we will have several competitive races and I expect we will field candidates in five or six of the commission districts, and a candidate for sheriff. That would be the big one," Lee said.

Contact staff writer Louie Brogdon at lbrogdon@timesfreepress.com or at 423-757-6481.