The deadline is approaching for candidates who want to run for an open state Senate seat in western Georgia.

Residents intending to run for the seat previously held by state Sen. William Hamrick must qualify for the special primary by noon Friday. Hamrick, who lives in Carrollton, stepped down to become a Superior Court judge.

A special primary will be held in the district on Nov. 6, the same day as the general election.

So far, the qualified Republican candidates include former House Speaker Glenn Richardson, Mike Dugan, Bill Hembree and James Naughton. No Democrats are on the ballot yet.

Tags: Carrollton, special election, qualifying, 2012 elections, State Senator William Hamrick