HARRISBURG — Gov. Tom Corbett surprised state Supreme Court Chief Justice Ronald Castille with his first judicial nomination since he became governor, and drew criticism from a top Democratic senator, who said Corbett put a favor for a friend ahead of the duty to ensure the public’s access to justice.

Corbett also bypassed the tradition of laying the groundwork for a nominee in advance with court officials and lawmakers.

Castille, a Republican, told the Patriot-News of Harrisburg that he met with Corbett a week before the Republican governor nominated his then-chief of staff, Bill Ward, and Corbett mentioned nothing of his plans.

Corbett nominated Ward, a long-time friend, last week to fill a vacancy on the Allegheny County Common Pleas Court.

But Castille suggested that filling the vacancy is unnecessary because Allegheny County’s president judge, Donna Jo McDaniel, had told him her court’s caseload has declined.

In a statement, Corbett said serving as a judge was a long-time goal for Ward and that he is happy to help his old friend achieve it.