TROY – Amid a clash of three potential Democratic candidates, a Republican lawyer hopes to emerge this fall as a Rensselaer County Family Court Judge.

Arthur Dunn, a local attorney who has worked a member of the county Law Guardian Panel for the last 13 years and as an assistant public defender in family court, said he hoped to do a lot of good families of the county if elected to the position.

In November, Dunn will face the winner of a three-way primary between incumbent Richard Hanft, the Democratic candidate whose appointment was confirmed by the state Senate Wednesday, Working Families Party candidate Geri Pomerantz, and Beth Walsh, a Democratic who is running without formal party support. The seat became vacant when Judge Linda Griffin retired earlier this year.

"I have substantial family law experience and for many years I have shown my commitment to the families and children of Rensselaer County," said Dunn. "In my capacity as a law guardian I have acted as attorney for thousands of children in every type of proceeding including neglect, custody and visitation cases, juvenile delinquency, and persons in need of supervision, PINS, cases."

Dunn also noted that since the judgeship comes with a 10-year-term, it was very important to make sure the right person was selected for the job.

"I know that as judge, my extensive experience helping parents and children through the legal system will allow me to make a difference for the families who enter the Rensselaer County Family Court," said Dunn.