Budd not running for justice post

Family Court Judge Marlene Budd said she has decided against running for state Supreme Court justice this fall. Budd, married to Rep. Steve Israel (D-Dix Hills), acknowledged she had appeared before a bar association judicial screening panel but declined to disclose its recommendation, which is made confidentially. Budd said she made her decision before the panel gave its finding. She said she pulled out because of stress and illnesses in her family, and that she emailed supporters earlier last week of her decision. While elected as a family court judge, Budd is currently an acting Supreme Court justice handling matrimonial cases. -- Rick Brand