Long-rumored to be heading to the bench, the former Edison councilman hopes to be approved by his 60th birthday.
State Sen. Peter Barnes III (D-Middlesex) has been nominated to be a Superior Court judge. (NJ Advance Media file photo) ELIZABETH -- State Sen. Peter Barnes III (D-Middlesex) will be nominated to become a Superior Court judge, ending months of speculation that he was in line for a seat on the bench.
Barnes confirmed he had received word from Gov. Chris Christie's office that a notice of intent to make the nomination was filed in Trenton on Tuesday, a procedure step before an actual nomination.
"It feels good," Barnes said. "I think it's the goal of most lawyers to serve as a judge," he said.
Barnes, a former Edison councilman and assemblyman, is hoping for the appointment to be approved within the next two weeks, before he turns 60 at the end of the month.
Although lawyers can be nominated after they they are 60, and judges can serve until they are 70, Barnes acknowledged he is hopeful for an appointment before his birthday.
His appointment would result in an opening for his state senate seat.
Assemblyman Patrick Diegnan (D-Middlesex) has been mentioned as a possible successor to the seat.
Diegnan, when reached Tuesday, said Barnes is an excellent choice for judge.
"He loves the law," Diegnan said.
Asked about the senate seat, Diegnan said he would be interested.
"If the opportunity presents itself, as it apparently will, then I'd look forward to it," he said.
Tom Haydon may be reached at thaydon@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @Tom_HaydonSL. Find NJ.com on Facebook