Local attorney Arthur C. Grisham said he never thought about trying for the upcoming vacancy on Hamilton County’s Chancery Court until about two weeks ago.
That’s when people in the courthouse began suggesting that he at least try, Mr. Grisham said.
On Tuesday, the 67-year-old received the most votes by the Tennessee Judicial Nominating Commission after a public hearing and a grueling daylong interview process in Chattanooga that yielded three nominees for the position.
PDF: Grisham application
Mr. Grisham, a well-known trial attorney who was the oldest among 11 contenders, is joined by local trial attorneys Joe E. Manuel and Jeffrey M. Atherton as the nominees.
In the coming weeks, Gov. Phil Bredesen is expected to appoint one nominee to the judgeship being vacated March 31 by long-time Chancellor Howell Peoples, who is retiring four years before his term expires. Whoever is nominated must run in a contested election in August if he wishes to serve out the rest of the term.
All three nominees said they planned on campaigning regardless of the governor’s decision.
“The more I thought about (being a judge), the more excited I got,” Mr. Grisham told one committee member who questioned his motives because of his age. “I’m good for another 10 years. I’m pumped.”
Mr. Manuel and Mr. Atherton said little after the vote, noting only that they look forward to Gov. Bredesen’s decision and hope to be appointed.
Stephany Pedigo, at 36 the youngest contender, was in fourth place after the fifth round of voting, during which the committee nominated Mr. Atherton. Leah Gerbitz, a partner with local law firm Miller and Martin and the daughter of former Hamilton County District Attorney Gary Gerbitz, came in fifth.
Ms. Pedigo left her local firm in 2000 to become a mother and has worked part time out of her home as a solo practitioner since, focusing on advocacy for mental health patients at Moccasin Bend Mental Health Center.
Former colleague Scott Brown of Spears, Moore, Rebman and WiIliams P.C., told commission members that she has “tremendous integrity and loyalty” and is about the same age Chancellor Peoples was when he became a Chancery Court judge 32 years ago.
Ms. Pedigo said she has not ruled out campaigning in August for the position. Ms. Gerbitz and the other contenders Tuesday are expected to run, as well.