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Mass. Lawmaker Narrowly Approved For Judicial Post

The Governor's Council has narrowly approved Gov. Deval Patrick's nomination of a Democratic lawmaker to a judicial post in western Massachusetts.

Patrick entered the Governor's Council chambers on Wednesday after the eight-member council deadlocked on the nomination of Pittsfield Rep. Christopher Speranzo to clerk magistrate of the Pittsfield District Court. The position has been vacant for two years. Patrick's presence enabled Lt. Gov. Timothy Murray to cast the tie-breaking vote.

Critics said Speranzo lacked experience and that two more qualified assistant magistrates were passed over for the position. Critics also took Speranzo to task for not disclosing that he was applying for the court position at the same time he was running for re-election to the House.

The council on Wednesday also voted 5-3 to approve Peter Coyne to a juvenile court judgeship.

This program aired on July 6, 2011. The audio for this program is not available.

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