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And they're off!

The 2010 campaign season officially started at 8 a.m. Friday 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 re-election as sheriff. He was first elected in 1990.

Brandon Cook, a Democrat, for County Commission District 1, Seat A, held by Commissioner Tonya Burchfield.

Roy Crawford, a Republican, for re-election 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.

Gary Farmer, a Republican, for re-election to County Commission District 4, Seat A.

Brad Harrison, a Republican, for re-election 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.

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.

Mike Lewis, a Republican, for re-election to Commission District 2, Seat B.

Jerome F. Moon, a Republican, for County Commission District 4, Seat C, held by Commissioner Wendy Pitts Reeves, a Democrat.

Steve Samples, a Republican, for re-election to County Commission District 3, Seat A. He is currently the chairman of the County Commission.