Republican Conservative candidate David Murante is making his first bid for elected office as Ogden justice. Murante was appointed to the post last October, but November 6 marks his first political run.

Murante grew up in Rochester and attended the University of Rochester. While enrolled in SUNY Albany Law School, he was drafted into the Vietnam War. He served a one-year tour of duty, then returned to Albany to finish his law degree.

Murante has been practicing criminal defense law in Rochester since 1974. He and his family moved to Ogden 13 years ago. Murante has seven children, including one studying law in Albany.

Murante applied for the open justice seat last fall because he felt it would be a good way "to contribute something back to the community" A year later, he still considers it "an honor and a privilege to serve: his hometown.