With the surprise retirement of longtime General Sessions Judge Larry Ross, the race is on to determine who will take the bench at least for the next two years.“Right now we don’t know when qualifying petitions will be available but I’m pretty sure qualifying deadline will be April 5 at noon,” said election administrator Donna Smith, who has a meeting pending with state election officials to iron out the details. “Since it’s so close to the primary there will not be a primary but the parties will be able to caucus and put forth their candidates. This would be in addition to any independent candidates who choose to run.”Since Ross’ effective retirement is Jan. 15, the election to fill his seat will be held as part of the Aug. 2 general election.