Longtime Chattanooga attorney Arthur C. “Art” Grisham could be the best contender for the vacant judgeship on the Hamilton County Chancery Court, or at least that’s what his peers say.
Results from a “preferential poll” released Friday by the Chattanooga Bar Association indicate that 58 percent of the 309 local lawyers who participated prefer independent candidate Mr. Grisham over the other two candidates.
Attorney Jeffrey M. “Jeff” Atherton, a Republican, came in second, with 30 percent of the votes. Attorney Valerie W. Epstein, a Democrat, received 14 percent.
At 67, Mr. Grisham also is the oldest candidate and has the most experience litigating in Chancery Court. The court’s two judges, or “chancellors,” are charged with making rulings on wills, estates and other areas of law.
“I’m very gratified and humbled that I have this kind of support,” Mr. Grisham said Friday. “I’m hopeful the public will pay attention to the results of this poll.”