Ken Law Blocks Dissent in DeLay Case, TPJ Files Complaint

by: Matt Glazer

Tue Oct 14, 2008 at 11:12 AM CDT

Justice Jan Patterson, a Democrat, is asking the Texas Supreme Court to intervene. She claims that Law, a Republican who's up for re-election, blocked the filing of her dissent to last week's ruling on whether fellow Justice Alan Waldrop, also a Republican, should step aside in the money-laundering case involving DeLay's associates.

In addition to the controversy swirling around the 3rd Court of Appeals, Texans for Public Justice has filed a complaint echoing Justice Patterson's sentiment.

Texans for Public Justice filed a complaint with the State Commission on Judicial Conduct today alleging that Third Court of Appeals Justice Alan Waldrop should not have written an opinion in the criminal case against Texans for a Republican Majority (TRMPAC) because his impartiality is questionable.

"Justice Waldrop's August 22 TRMPAC opinion reads like a 'Get Out of Jail Free Card' for Tom DeLay and his cronies," said Texans for Public Justice Director Craig McDonald. "As counsel for Texans for Lawsuit Reform in related civil litigation, Waldrop announced his bias in this matter years ago, dismissing the civil suit as 'politically motivated.' Waldrop should not have participated in this case."

The full complaint can be found here.

The infighting in the 3rd Court is apparent.  The Republicans seem to be shielding their friends and allies, while the Democrats appear to want justice.  Democrat Diane Henson went so far as to ask for a full rehearing on the case. An unprecedented move in any circumstances.

Every day it becomes more and more clear why we need Woodie Jones on the bench.  Luckily he is taking on Ken Law, and we can remedy these problems once and for all.