Several Republicans have announced intentions to run for office in 2010, among them former Chilton County Sheriff Billy Wayne Fulmer for the office of sheriff and Tommy Glasscock for Superintendent of Education.

Also, District Judge Rhonda Hardesty, District Attorney Randall Houston and Coroner Randy Yeargan all reportedly plan to seek re-election.

“I think this is going to be a very exciting year for the Republican Party,” said Ann Glasscock, Chilton County Republican Party chairperson. “I am encouraged by the number of people who are interested in running this early.”

No Democrats have confirmed whether they plan to run, Chilton County Democratic Party chairman Bobby Martin said Wednesday.

“We are not getting much interest yet,” he said.

Qualifying for Republicans will likely begin March 1. The Executive Committee will meet in February to approve the date. The qualifying date for Democrats will be announced soon, Martin said.

The deadline to qualify for both parties will be April 2 at 5 p.m. Packets are available from the party chairpersons and must be turned in to the Chilton County Probate Office before the deadline.

Qualifying fees were set at $1,050 for sheriff, $1,910 for superintendent, and $186 for coroner. The fees represent 2 percent of each office’s current annual salary.

Both parties have scheduled important events for the coming months. These are outlined as follows:

The Democratic Party will meet in February with guest speaker Judge Mac Parsons, a candidate for the Alabama Supreme Court

The Republican Party will hold its first meeting of the election season Feb. 9 at Helen’s Place at 6:30 p.m.

The Democratic Party will meet in March with guest speaker Artur Davis, Alabama gubernatorial candidate

The Republican Party will host a dinner and auction April 12 at LeCroy Career/Technical Center

The Republican Party will hold a free hamburger cookout May 17 at Goose Pond Park.

For more information, contact Glasscock at 389-1577 or Martin at 755-1555.