Good afternoon . .
A trial which may finally determine the outcome of the Washington gubernatorial election and may affect elections across the country began Monday in Wenatchee WA.
The state GOP is suing to have the election of Christine Gregoire overturned or a new election ordered. Before the trial began the GOP had argued that election officials, especially in King County, were incompetent allowing illegal votes and "finding" others that swayed the election.
In opening statements, GOP attorney Dale Foreman introduced a new element into the case . . . fraud. "The evidence is overwhelming that there was unbelievable neglect in King County and, we believe, outright fraud by high-ranking King County officials," GOP attorney Dale Foreman said Monday.
Democrats tried to block the evidence, saying the Republicans brought the issue too late and without evidence.
In a hearing today Chelan County Superior Court Judge John E, Bridges ruled to allow the evidence saying he didn't believe the GOP argument was new. However, the judge added: "The court is not in a position at this time to determine that these are illegal votes."
GOP candidate Dino Rossi won two recounts after the November election. During a third recount, election officials in heavily Democratic King County "found" additional uncounted votes that swayed the victory to Gregoire.
Wash. Judge Allows GOP Charges of Fraud - Yahoo! News
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An inmate on Indiana's death row wanted to delay his execution in order to donate part of his liver to his sister.
Gregory Scott Johnson had asked the parole board for clemency or a reprieve. Last Friday, the board denied the request. The denial was automatically appealed to the governor.
Today Gov. Mitch Daniels (R) denied the request. Daniels said there are "no grounds to second guess years of court rulings or to reject the recommendation of the parole board."
Johnson's execution is set for early Wednesday morning.
There is no word from Johnson's attorney if the matter will be appealed to the US Supreme Court.
Liver Donation Won't Block Execution - Yahoo! News
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As the "memorandum of understanding" promised, the Senate voted to end debate of the nomination of Priscilla Owen to a seat on the US 5th District Court of Appeals.
The 81-18 vote to end debate will allow for her nomination to receive an up or down vote on the Senate floor.
This is the first of three judicial nominations covered by the agreement. After William Pryor and Janice Rogers Brown are confirmed, it will be interesting to see if the Democrats live up to the spirit and letter of the agreement.
Senate Votes to End Filibuster on Judge - Yahoo! News
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More tomorrow.
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