Lamont Withdraws Beckham's Judge Nomination

0:00It's April 7th. This is Hartford News Today, powered by AI. I'm Cory with the story. Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont just pulled the nomination of Jeff Beckham for a superior court judge spot. Beckham, his former budget chief, faced tough questions from lawmakers last week about his legal chops. Turns out, he hasn't practiced law in nearly 40 years with barely any experience before that. Beckham admitted during the hearing he lacks courtroom time and would face a steep learning curve. Still, he argued his skills in policy and judgment from years in state government make him fit. Lamont swapped him out as Office of Policy and Management Secretary last summer after Beckham held various state roles. Lawmakers on the Judiciary Committee seem skeptical, pushing back on whether public service alone qualifies someone for the bench. Beckham pushed his big picture leadership as the real strength here. This marks the second withdrawal in a week. Earlier, Lamont yanked John Shabon's nomination too.

1:00Shabon, a former Republican state rep, had a 2019 disorderly conduct charge from a fight with his girlfriend. Lamont still calls Beckham a top public servant whose fiscal and policy work shows the smarts needed on the court. With 14 nominees in play, expect more scrutiny as Connecticut fills these judge seats.