Patrick's pick for judge backs out
An Arlington attorney criticized for failing to disclose donations he made to two embattled politicians has withdrawn his candidacy to be a judge.
David Aptaker sent a letter to Gov. Deval Patrick Friday stating "an honest mistake on my part has become too much of a distraction in the approval process."
Patrick had nominated him to be an associate justice of the Middlesex Family and Probate Court.
Aptaker donated $350 to former Middlesex Register of Probate John Buonomo and $200 to former state Sen. James Marzilli. Buonomo has since been convicted of theft and Marzilli resigned after being charged with sexual assault.
Judicial candidates are required to detail donations on a questionnaire.
The governor's legal counsel, William "Mo" Cowan, says Patrick understands and respects Aptaker's decision.
