This Ain’t Nepotism. This Is Cousin-Marrying.
Okay, so y’all know that Rick Perry is under indictment for extorting a public official.
Every time one of Perry’s lawyers files motions to dismiss this case on some technicality they get to talk to the hand of Lady Justice. They’ve heard NO more times than an Aggie trying to date a UT sorority.
Well, it took them a while but it looks like the fix is in. The latest judge in the case is one of Perry’s ex-lawyers.
Rick Perry may be somewhat familiar with one of the judges picked to hear an appeal in the criminal case against him.
That’s because Justice Bob Pemberton has worked for the former governor, representing him in court as his deputy general counsel. After that job, Perry appointed him to the Third Court of Appeals, which is now considering a request from Perry’s lawyers to dismiss the abuse-of-power charges against him.
Pemberton also clerked for Tom Phillips, the retired chief justice of the Texas Supreme Court who is now on Perry’s defense team. Pemberton’s website features a photo of him being sworn in by Phillips — “his friend, supporter, and former boss.”
Oh yeah, Pemberton has also donated $1,000 to Perry’s political funds.
The prosecution has asked that Pemberton recuse himself. So far, all anybody has heard from him is cricket chirping.
Thanks to Craig for the heads up.
In my mind an appeals court judge has a duty to appear above reproach. Justice Bob Pemberton should have recused voluntarily. To not do so is to invite accusations of impropriety.
1Normally, I’d suggest someone look at the ethics rules regarding conflicts of interest… except for the IOKIYAR exceptions to the ethics rules. See, It’s OK If You’re A Republican, because they campaign on being the party of personal responsibility and sound morals. If you campaign on such issues, you don’t actually need to have morals or ethics personally. Besides, “personal responsibility”, like taxes, are only for the “little people” (as per Leona Helmsley) – Republican politicians are specifically barred by party rules for taking personal responsibility for their own actions.
2Oh hell, it was bound to happen. It is, after all, Texas, where Republican $hit always smells sweet.
3Canon Two, Texas code of judicial ethics, says judges shall avoid even the appearance of impropriety.
4omg..I’m so…po’d..
5There are third world countries whose politics have better morals and less corruption than Texas.
6a slam dunk, a smoking gun, even the old saying ‘ we will give him a fair trial and find him guility., did he have zimmerman’s attorney?
7Are we surprised?
8Damn, this is one good case, if the prosecution loses, that will go flying to an even higher court and maybe make a pit stop at SCOTUS. Does the defense actually want that to happen? Pemberton should recuse himself before somebody makes one helluva point of it.
9And when Perry secures a victory through this bullcrap judge, he and his followers will taut this case as proof his opponents have been caught politicizing the legal system.
10This is a joke and Perry with his smart glasses will never be President. He knows it but if he run will be to collect money for his bank account.
11That is all what most politicians in the Repugnant party are running for. Newt Gingrich, Little Ricky Santorum, Mike Huckabee are all there for the buck they can get and than They are spraying the buck to pay for all the little stupids and get it back in favor.
Catherine Harris in Florida did with the help of JEB did stole the election for baby bush. but they did have help from Sandra day O’ Connor, Who did help put that stupid little man Baby bush in the White house with the help of the great lawyer John Roberts. We are suffering because people does not care.
Texas non-justice.
12Rhea,
Texas, AKA: Haiti Nord…
13Google CARING FOR YOUR INTROVERT, an interesting article online that points out that introverts don’t have anything wrong with them. They’re just quiet. And if more politicians were introverts instead of extroverts, it would be a lots nicer world to live in because they would be quietly thinking before running their mouths. Imagine an introvert for Texas governor or Lt. Gov. Just imagine.
14Marge Wood, I saw a T-shirt that says, “INTROVERTS UNITE! We’re here, we’re uncomfortable, and we want to go home.”
That’s why we introverts don’t become politicians. Extroverts like Bill Clinton get their energy from being with people. Introverts are drained by being with people and we recharge by being away from people.
15He should take the deal…
The next step could be a federal corruption rap…
Good luck with that one…
We’ve got John Rowland about to be a 2 time loser up here in CT cuz he’s a dumb Republican crook….
16honestly I am surprised it took this long for him to hit an old croney supporter in the system.
17Star is right. I would like to add that Perry probably doesn’t have many friends in positions of authority outside of businesses built on government contracts.
18