SCRANTON — Robert Mariani, the Scranton attorney nominated for a federal judicial appointment, donated to the campaign committees of Sen. Bob Casey and his brother Patrick’s congressional race, to the tune of $9,500, according to the Federal Election Committee.

But, its not uncommon, said Casey spokesman Larry Smar when asked Thursday by PoliticsPa.com about the contributions.

“All political contributions are subject to public disclosure,” he wrote in an email. “You would be hard pressed to find a sitting judge or a judicial nominee who has not made a political contribution.”

A judicial nominating committee vetted nominees, then recommended Mariani to Casey and former Sen. Arlen Specter, who then passed on his name to the White House, who nominated him, Smar wrote.

“Senator Casey bases his judicial recommendations and judicial nomination votes on the qualifications of each nominee,” Smar wrote. “He has voted for nominees put forward by Republicans and Democrats.”

Mariani is a 34-year veteran of labor and employment law. Mariani was tapped to replace Senior Judge James Munley in the Middle District of Pennsylvania.

** Contributions to Political Committees:

Patrick Casey for Congress:

03/11/1998         1000.00

06/29/1998         500.00

10/13/1998         500.00

05/24/1999         500.00

12/30/1999         500.00

12/30/1999         500.00

09/11/2000         500.00

————-

Casey for Governor:

06/13/2005         2100.00

11/30/2005         2100.00

————

Casey for Senate:

12/30/2008         300.00

12/30/2008         500.00

02/09/2010         500.00

Total Contributions:    9500.00