Robert G. Spitzer, whose bid was turned down Wednesday for review of his dismissal from the Riverside County Superior Court, has submitted a letter to county vote officials asking for his name to be removed from the June 3 ballot.

Spitzer, 59, was removed from office last October by the state Commission on Judicial Performance for willful misconduct and dishonesty. The judge appealed, saying the commission failed to look at mitigating circumstances.

While he could not act as a judge, Spitzer’s removal was not final until the state Supreme Court decided on his petition for review, which he filed late last year. Word came Wednesday afternoon that the petition was denied.

Awaiting outcome of his appeal, Spitzer had filed for candidacy and was qualified to run in the June election for the bench from which he had been removed. The six-year term for the countywide office ends this year.

“I was very surprised and disappointed to receive an e-mail notification,” about the denial, Spitzer said in a letter addressed to Riverside County Registrar Barbara Dunmore. He said the denial means the commission’s removal order is now final.

—Richard K. De Atley
rdeatley@PE.com

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