Jerry Feaser, a spokesman for the governor, confirmed that the seven-member panel has forwarded its report to Gov. Ridge but said the governor had not yet had a chance to look at it.

Sources indicate the list names three Republicans and three Democrats, including a woman.

The Republicans are city Solicitor Frank Bolock, District Justice George Clark and attorney Zygmont Bialkowski.

The Democrats are attorneys Henry Burke, Marianne J. Gilmartin and Vito Geroulo.

The governor has until April 3 to nominate one of the six finalists to the state Senate, which must confirm his choice.

The seat opened after Mr. Eagen, the target of a grand-jury investigation of the handling of estates, lost his retention bid in the November election.

His term ended Jan. 5.

Under the state Constitution, Mr. Ridge has 90 days from the date of the vacancy to nominate a replacement.

A two-thirds majority of the Senate must approve the nomination.

State Sen. Robert Mellow, D-Peckville, Democratic leader in the Senate, will have a big say in whether Mr. Ridges nominee is confirmed. Although Republicans hold a majority in the Senate, Mr. Ridge must have some Democratic votes to make a two-thirds majority.

Mr. Mellow could not be reached Friday for comment on the recommendation. The senator previously said he would prefer a senior attorney who would promise to serve only until an election to a full-term can be held.

The nominee would serve until next year when new municipal elections will be held.

Mr. Mellow also has attacked the composition of the committee Mr. Ridge appointed to recommend candidates, claiming it is a stacked committee, partisan toward Republicans, and threatening to block the confirmation of anyone recommended by it.

If Im not in favor of the persons name they (the committee) submit, they will not get the two-thirds vote in the Senate, he has said.