Gov. Deval Patrick's latest choice for the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court is preparing for her Statehouse confirmation hearing.
Barbara Lenk, Gov. Deval Patrick's latest choice for the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court is preparing for her Statehouse confirmation hearing.BOSTON (AP) — Gov. Deval Patrick's latest choice for the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court is preparing for her Statehouse confirmation hearing.
Appeals Court Judge Barbara Lenk is scheduled to go before the Governor's Council on Wednesday. The eight-member panel must approve judicial nominees.
At least three panel members have faulted Patrick for his handling of her nomination, in part because Patrick noted that Lenk would be the court's first openly gay member.
One council member, Charles Cipollini of Fall River, suggested Patrick nominated Lenk to cater to groups that have backed him politically, including members of the gay community.
Patrick dismissed the criticism, calling Lenk "more than qualified" to serve on the high court.
Lt. Gov. Timothy Murray will chair the meeting.
The council is not expected to vote on Lenk's nomination immediately.