Fourth candidate files for court seat

The field of candidates seeking a vacant state Court of Appeals seat is broadening.

A fourth candidate, former Snohomish County Superior Court Judge David Hulbert, filed for the post on Thursday.

The others filed on Wednesday, the first day of a special filing period following the death of Judge Faye Kennedy of Everett.

There will be no primary, and whoever gets the most votes on Nov. 8 wins the five years remaining in Kennedy’s term.

Hulbert said he’s ready to hit the ground running. He has raised $25,000 for the campaign in the week since Kennedy’s death and expects to equal that sum in another week or so. He’s hired campaign staff and expects his name familiarity after 12 years on the bench will serve him well.

“Certainly, of the group we have, I by far have the most relevant experience,” Hulbert said.

While on the bench, he handled both criminal and civil appeals from administrative agencies and lower courts, he said.

“I think appellate courts in our country … have become a place where the basic philosophical issues are aired. I believe the court’s function is to protect the community,” Hulbert said.

He said his record of being tough on criminals and protecting property and other constitutional rights will be recognized by Snohomish County voters.

Hulbert sought a fourth term on the bench a year ago but was defeated by Eric Lucas.

He will face a sitting Superior Court judge, a veteran deputy prosecutor and a partner in Everett’s largest law firm. The others are Judge Steve Dwyer, deputy prosecutor Seth Fine and J. Robert Leach, a partner in the Anderson Hunter law firm in Everett.

The filing period closes at 5 p.m. today.

The candidates are seeking a seat on Division 1 of the appeals court, a job that pays nearly $140,000 a year. Only Snohomish County lawyers are eligible. The Court of Appeals handles the bulk of challenges from Superior Court decisions.

Reporter Jim Haley: 425-339-3447 or haley@heraldnet.com.