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Coverage from across Michigan and the state Capitol with the Michigan Public Radio Network and Interlochen Public Radio.

Snyder Appoints Macomb County Judge To Michigan Supreme Court

Judge David Viviano (left) pictured with Governor Rick Snyder.
Judge David Viviano (left) pictured with Governor Rick Snyder.

Governor Rick Snyder has picked a judge and former Republican candidate for county prosecutor to fill a vacancy on the Michigan Supreme Court. Judge David Viviano opposed abortion and same-sex marriage and favored the death penalty during an unsuccessful run for Macomb County prosecutor. He says those questions did not come up during interviews for the job of justice.

Viviano says one of his priorities is to update courts’ technology so the public has easier access to the system.

“We all need to be integrated and communicating and  working and interacting electronically,” he says. “There’s a lot of efficiencies that can be gained by that. So I think there’s a lot of work to be done in that area.”

Viviano replaces Justice Diane Hathaway, who resigned in disgrace as she faced bank fraud charges.

 The appointment gives Republicans a five-two majority on the court.

Viviano will have to run for the seat in next year’s election.

Rick Pluta is Senior Capitol Correspondent for the Michigan Public Radio Network. He has been covering Michigan’s Capitol, government, and politics since 1987. His journalism background includes stints with UPI, The Elizabeth (NJ) Daily Journal, The (Pontiac, MI) Oakland Press, and WJR. He is also a lifelong public radio listener.