By George P. Hassett

Ward 5 Alderman Sean O’Donovan topped the first ballot at tonight’s democratic caucus for a register of probate nominee but picked up only 27 more votes through three more ballots and finished second to a Medford woman for the nomination.

Tara DeCristofaro, an assistant register of probate now, will be the democratic nominee for the top register job in November after indicted incumbent John Buonomo declined the nomination last week.The caucus began with 13 candidates for the job and came down to O’Donovan and DeCristofaro in the fourth and final vote of the night. DeCristofaro picked up 202 votes between the first and fourth ballots to defeat O’Donovan and win 68 percent of the 447 delegates.

Despite 13 candidates and multiple ballots, the voting was relatively uneventful until third-place finisher Maria Sheehy accused the O’Donovan campaign of falsely claiming her endorsement before the final vote.

"Your people are telling people I’m with you," Sheehy said to O’Donovan in the midst of a crowd of delegates. "I’m with Tara DeCristofaro. Be honest. This is why you’re losing."

O’Donovan denied to Sheehy that anyone from his campaign had said she was supporting him but apologized for any confusion in his concession speech. DeCristofaro will face Republican John Lambert in November for the position.

Tonight’s caucus at Waltham High was neccessary because Buonomo, who held the seat since 2000, resigned so he could fight criminal charges that he stole thousands of dollars from government copy machines.