In the first full day in session, the state House of Representatives approved the re-nominations of judges and state referees Friday.
By a vote of 130 to 0, the House approved the re-nomination of Alexandra D. DiPentima of South Kent for a seat on the State Appellate Court.
State Rep. Arthur J. O'Neill, the ranking House Republican on the judiciary committee, described DiPentima as "an outstanding jurist'' who deserves reappointment.
The House also approved Robert C. Leuba of Mystic as a state referee - a position for retired judges who help with the caseload in the state courts. Before becoming a judge, Leuba was known for his work as the commissioner of the Department of Motor Vehicles and as legal counsel to Republican Gov. Thomas Meskill in the early 1970s. Leuba was approved by 134 to 0 - as four more members arrived in the minutes after the vote on DiPentima.
Hours later in the Senate, Majority Leader Martin Looney of New Haven said that Leuba has had "an exceptional career in state government ... a true problem-solver.''
The nomination was then placed on the "consent'' calendar for nominations with unanimous support.