CLEVELAND, Tenn. — The local 2010 political races are officially on.
The Bradley County Election Commission on Monday accepted the required letters requesting local primaries from both the Republican and Democratic party chairmen.
Early voting for the local May 4 primaries begins April 14, the commission decided.
Monday also was the first day to pick up qualifying petitions for potential candidates in the August party primaries for state offices, including state representatives and senators.
Former Republican Party Chairman Steve Crump joined the County Election Commission on Monday, completing the complement of three GOP members, reflecting the current majority in the state General Assembly. There are also two Democrats on the commission.