MARK MASTROIANNI
WASHINGTON (WWLP) – Hampden County District Attorney Mark Mastroianni will soon be Judge Mark Mastroianni.
The U.S. Senate confirmed Mastroianni’s nomination to be a federal judge in a vote late Wednesday morning.
President Obama nominated the D.A. to fill a judicial vacancy at the U.S. District Court in Springfield, replacing retiring Judge Michael Ponsor.
The nomination advanced Tuesday night in a Senate executive session, with a vote of 56-39. Wednesday’s vote for Mastroianni was much less close, with the full Senate voting to confirm the appointment 92-2.
Prior to the vote, Massachusetts Senator Edward Markey said praised Mastroianni, saying that he will make an excellent judge.
“The people of western Massachusetts have been waiting nearly three years for a federal judge to once again preside in Springfield, and Mr. Mastroianni is a great choice to serve the Commonwealth and the country,” Markey said.
Governor Deval Patrick will now have to choose a replacement to fill the rest of Mastroianni’s term as District Attorney. Meanwhile, five Democrats are running for their party’s nomination to replace Mastroianni, who was elected as an independent. No Republican or independent candidates have announced a run in the November election.
