EDITOR'S NOTE: This is one in a series of stories about contested races in the May 6 county primary.

Democrats in Hamilton County will have to decide whether they will stand behind the 20-year incumbent Criminal Court clerk or vote in new blood.

Criminal Court Clerk Gwen Tidwell is facing opposition in the May 6 primary from Brian White of East Ridge.

State Rep. Vince Dean, R-East Ridge, is leaving his District 30 seat to seek Tidwell's seat. He does not have Republican opposition and will face either Tidwell or White in the August general election.

Tidwell said Tuesday residents should stick with her, because she knows the job inside and out.

"Even beyond the 20 years I've been doing it, I'm actually a licensed lawyer who practiced in these courts," she said.

Tidwell practiced criminal and family law when she was a working attorney, and she said that experience has helped her run the office.

Citing domestic violence grants she's sought that help share family violence case information between criminal and circuit courts to better protect victims of abuse, Tidwell said she's been working to do more than file paper as the clerk.

"We are trying to connect the information with Circuit Court, Criminal Court and Juvenile Court," she said. "Now we actually have people sitting in the courtrooms telling the judges what's going on [in other courts]."

Tidwell also said her legal background has helped her understand the ins and outs of managing a staff of 64 people.

Attempts to contact White by phone on Tuesday and Wednesday were unsuccessful. Messages left were not returned by Thursday at press time.

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