By DAVE HAMRICK
dhamrick@TheCitizenNews.com

Fayette County Democrats are getting in gear for an active political year, said first vice chairman Judy Chidester.

Chidester's Peachtree City law office will be the setting for Democrats qualifying for local races. Qualifying is set for April 24 at 9 a.m. through April 28 at noon, and Chidester said numerous residents have expressed interest in seeking the Democratic nomination.

Party primaries are set for July 18, with party winners squaring off Nov. 7 in the General Election.

Several potential candidates also have expressed an interest in seeking the 3rd District seat in the U.S. Congress, Chidester said. Fayette County is in the 3rd District.

As 3rd District representative on the Association of County Democratic Chairmen, Chidester is traveling the district speaking to local party committees, and is finding a great deal of interest, she said.

Fayette County voters will have a lot to think about in this year's elections. Seventeen local posts will be on the ballot, along with the 3rd District U.S. House seat and the four members of the Fayette state legislative delegation.

Purely local elections to be decided this year are Board of Education Posts 1, 2 and 3; County Commission Posts 1,2 and 3; clerk of Superior Court; coroner; county surveyor; magistrate judge Posts 1,2,3 and 4; probate judge; sheriff; solicitor; State Court judge, and tax commissioner.

The county's state legislative delegation consists of Rep. Kathy Cox, R-105th; Rep. Lynn Westmoreland, R-104th; Sen. Greg Hecht, D-34th, and Sen. Rick Price, R-28th.

For information on qualifying as a Democrat, phone 770-486-1314.

— Dave Hamrick