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And they're off! The 2010 campaign season officially started at 8 a.m. today with prospective Blount County governmental candidates picking up petitions to qualify for the May 4 primary election. So far, 13 people have picked up petitions:

• James Berrong, a Republican, for reelection as sheriff. He was first elected in 1990.
• Roy Crawford, a Republican, for reelection as county clerk.
• Phyllis Crisp, a Republican, for Register of Deeds. She is a long-time employee of the office. Current Register Penny Whaley has decided to retire at the end of this term.
• Brandon Cook, a Democrat, for County Commission District 1, Seat A, held by Commissioner Tonya Burchfield.
• Gary Farmer, a Republican, for reelection to County Commission District 4, Seat A.
• Brad Harrison, a Republican, for reelection to County Commission District 2, Seat A.
• Robert L. Headrick, a Republican, for General Session Judge, Division 4, which he holds.
• Roy A. Gamble, a Republican, for Commission District 8, Seat A, held by Commissioner John Keeble. No information was available about Gamble at press time.
• Mike Lewis, a Republican, for re-election to Commission District 2, Seat B.
• Peggy Lambert, a Republican, for Commission District 5, Seat A, which she holds.
• Holden Lail, a Republican, for re-election to the Commission District 6, Seat A.
• Jerome F. Moon, a Republican, for County Commission District 4, Seat A, held by Commissioner Gary Farmer.
• Steve Samples, a Republican, for re-election to County Commission District 3, Seat A. He is currently the chairman of the County Commission.

The Daily Times will update the list as the day progresses.