DeLay judge unlikely to be pulled (Houston Chronicle)

DeLay judge unlikely to be pulled
Donations to Dems not a solid case in Texas for bias, experts say
By JANET ELLIOTT, Houston Chronicle

AUSTIN - In a state that elects all of its judges in partisan elections, Congressman Tom DeLay could have trouble arguing that the judge assigned to his case should step aside because he donated to political parties and candidates. "There's no district judge in the state of Texas who is not either a Democrat or a Republican. I don't know that you're entitled to a judge who won a primary that your client shares," said Keith Hampton, an Austin criminal defense lawyer.

But DeLay's attorney, Dick DeGuerin, said the motion to recuse state District Judge Bob Perkins isn't because Perkins is a Democrat, but because the veteran judge has made political contributions to causes and persons opposed to DeLay. "I don't care whether we get a Republican judge or a Democratic judge," said DeGuerin. "This is about getting a judge who hasn't been heavily politically active in contributing to causes and races opposed to Tom DeLay."

Legal experts agree that showing partisanship is not enough. They say DeLay, who is facing charges that he violated laws barring corporate donations to state candidates, must convince a court that Perkins has a personal bias against him. "It seems an inadequate basis for recusal," said Austin lawyer Steve Bickerstaff, who has handled politically charged redistricting cases and election contests. Bickerstaff, who is writing a book about DeLay's involvement in the 2002 Texas House elections, said judges with a particular party affiliation routinely hear disputes over redistricting, ballot disputes and campaign finance laws...

http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/ssistory.mpl/politics/3408415

He wants to be judged only by GOP judges? How does he feel about tearing apart the American fabric? He's a damn traitor to what we stand for as a country.

Hey, assholes--when the Democrats are back in power should we ask for Democrat-friendly judges?

In fact, does one's partisanship EVER count when it's your side coming after ours? Do we get special favors on that account? I don't THINK so.

republicans beating citizens over the head with their clublike bluster, and I'm REALLY SICK of seeing people knuckle under to it.

The judge needs to look that little shit in the eye and tell him to sit down, STFU and enjoy the fallout when the REAL democratic process gets a hold of his ass.

Partisan Whiner.