Gov. Charlie Baker Names 3 To State's High Court

BOSTON (AP) -- Republican Gov. Charlie Baker has nominated three Superior Court judges to fill upcoming vacancies on the state's highest court.

Baker on Wednesday announced the selections of Kimberly Budd, Frank Gaziano and David Lowy to the seven-member Supreme Judicial Court.

If confirmed by the Governor's Council, they would replace three associate Justices: Fernande Duffly, Francis Spina and Robert Cordy, who are retiring from the high court this summer.

Baker called the nominees distinguished and well-respected judges who have handled some of the state's most complicated criminal and civil cases.

Budd, the daughter of former U.S. Attorney Wayne Budd, was named to the Superior Court in 2009.

Gaziano, a former state and federal prosecutor, joined the court in 2004.

Lowy served as a district court judge before being elevated to the Superior Court in 2001.