The state Senate voted 46-1 yesterday to confirm Penn State Board of Trustees Chairwoman Cynthia Baldwin to a two-year term as a justice on the state Supreme Court.

State Sen. Jay Costa, D-Allegheny, the minority chairman of the state Senate Judiciary Committee, said Baldwin was well received by Democrats and Republicans in the Senate yesterday.

"This is a situation where both parties acknowledged that she would be a wonderful addition to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court," Costa said. "The Senate made a very wise decision in confirming her."

He added that Baldwin received a standing ovation from the Senate after the confirmation was announced.

Several senators stood up during yesterday's session before the final vote to speak on behalf of Baldwin. Senate President Pro Tempore Robert Jubelirer, R-Blair, recommended Baldwin's confirmation with remarks that were met with applause. State Sen. Shirley Kitchen, D-Philadelphia, urged the Senate to "confirm her today," and state Sen. LeAnna Washington, D-Philadelphia, said she would be "a valued addition" to the state Supreme Court.

"We probably had more senators speak on her behalf than I can recall in any other nomination for any position before the senate," Costa said.

The lone dissenting vote came from state Sen. Jeffrey Piccola, R-Dauphin, a member of the judiciary committee.

He has said Baldwin's status as a Penn State trustee would put her in violation of the Code of Judicial Conduct if she were confirmed as a justice because she might be in a position to hear cases that involve Penn State.

Piccola also voted Tuesday in the judiciary committee not to recommend Baldwin's nomination to the full Senate. He refused to comment after yesterday's session.

Penn State spokesman Tysen Kendig said he does not think the two roles will pose a conflict. "Judge Baldwin would not allow herself to be put in a position where there would be a conflict of interest between her role as a justice and her role on the Penn State Board of Trustees," Kendig said.

It has not been decided when Baldwin will be sworn in as a justice.

Baldwin was unavailable for comment yesterday.