PROVIDENCE, R.I. (Legal Newsline)- Rhode Island Attorney General Patrick Lynch will become president of the National Association of Attorneys General this week.

Lynch will succeed Idaho Attorney General Lawrence Wasden, a Republican, in leading the bipartisan group on Thursday, becoming the first attorney general from the Ocean State to lead the organization.

"I'm honored to further the mission of NAAG as its president, but even more honored to work with my colleagues on issues so important to propelling justice and advancing the quality of life in our country," Lynch, a Democrat, said in a statement.

Lynch gained national prominence for successfully suing former lead paint manufacturers for cleanup costs associated with their products.

As the NAAG leader for 2008-09, Lynch will name a presidential initiative that the attorneys general will meet and discuss later in his term. For Wasden, his initiative focused on energy-related issues.

Speaking at the attorneys general's four-day summer meeting this week in Providence will be Hall of Fame baseball player Cal Ripken Jr.

Ripken will appear on behalf of the Cal Ripken Sr. Foundation's Badges for Baseballs Program, which pairs law enforcement professionals as mentors and coaches with youths.

Also participating in the event are authorities from Canada and Mexico, as well as a delegation of prosecutors from Taiwan.

From Legal Newsline: Reach reporter Chris Rizo by e-mail at chrisrizo@legalnewsline.com.