PORT LUDLOW — A third lawyer has announced her intention to run for Jefferson County’s Superior Court bench, splitting the race at least three ways.
Joan Best, 69, of Port Ludlow joins Judge Craddock Verser, 54, and Karen Gates Hildt, 60, both of Port Townsend as declared candidates for the position on the primary ballot.
Official filing opens in July, so there’s time for additional candidates to emerge.
Verser was appointed to the bench by Gov. Gary Locke after Judge Thomas J. Majhan died in January.
Best said she decided to run after looking at who had already announced their candidacy.
“I feel like I have the maturity and the experience to do it,” she said Wednesday.
She believes that Gates Hildt may not be experienced enough to challenge Verser.
“I felt there should be an alternative who does have the experience,” Best said.
Gates Hildt said Wednesday that she does not know Best and couldn’t speak to her qualifications.