Chris Priest of Decatur, a partner with the law firm of Blackburn, Maloney & Schuppert LLC, qualified as a candidate for the Republican Party nomination for Morgan County circuit clerk, subject to the March 2012 Primary Election.

The office is currently held by John Pat Orr who is not seeking re-election.

Priest said his decision to seek his first political office was made after Orr announced he would not seek another term and was aided by the encouragement and pledged support he received from his family, fellow attorneys and friends.

“I have a passion for the Morgan County court system and the office of circuit clerk,” Priest stated, “and I feel my experience in the administration of legal matters will enable me to serve the public well in that position.”

Priest clerked for Circuit Judge Glenn Thompson for one year after passing the Alabama Bar and has 11 years of experience in private practice, specializing in elder and business law.

He serves as Morgan County Guardian and Conservator, a position appointed by Morgan County Probate Judge Greg Cain, is an assistant attorney general representing the Morgan County Department of Human Resources and has served as a specially appointed probate judge.

“Priest said name recognition is one of the challenges he and his campaign organization is facing head on as the Primary Election draws nearer.

“This is a big county and there’s a lot of work to be done in a short time,” he pointed out. “But I’m humbled and encouraged by the strong support I’m receiving.

“We’ll be working to take our campaign to every community in the county before the election.”

A native of Etowah County, Priest is a 1996 graduate of Trevecca Nazarene University in Nashville, Tenn. and a 1999 graduate of Samford University’s Cumberland School of Law.

He is a member and currently president of Decatur Kiwanis Club. He is also involved in various other civic and community organizations, including Leadership Morgan County, Decatur-Morgan County Chamber of Commerce and American Red Cross.

He and his wife, Ruth, who is also a practicing attorney, have a daughter, Isabelle Katherine, 6, and make their home in Decatur.

They attend Decatur Presbyterian Church.