GWB
09-19-2004, 05:41 PM
New Mexico this time!
Dist. Judge York is Asked to Resign in Wake of Nader Ruling (http://www.abqjournal.com/elex/225473elex09-19-04.htm)
By Andy Lenderman
Journal Politics Writer
A Republican state senator from Roswell and several people from other political parties on Saturday called for state District Court Judge Wendy York to resign.
Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry's federal disclosure records show a $1,000 campaign contribution earlier this year from Wendy E. York of Albuquerque. Meanwhile, the judge ruled Friday that Ralph Nader cannot run in New Mexico as an independent presidential candidate, knocking him off the state's Nov. 2 ballot.
State judges may contribute to a political organization, according to New Mexico's Code of Judicial Conduct. But York should have recused herself from the Nader case, state Sen. Rod Adair, R-Roswell, said.
Kerry's campaign reported the contribution from Wendy E. York and listed the judge's home address in Albuquerque, The Associated Press reported.
Repeated telephone messages left by the Journal for York on Friday and Saturday were not returned.
Democrats wanted Nader off the New Mexico ballot, as in other states, fearing that even a small percentage of votes going to him could undermine Kerry in a close contest with President Bush. Adair had encouraged New Mexico voters to sign petitions nominating Nader to the state ballot.
Adair said that if York does not resign by Monday, the group will file a complaint with the state's Judicial Standards Commission.
Adair cited a Code of Judicial conduct provision that says in part, "A judge is disqualified and shall recuse himself or herself in a proceeding in which the judge's impartiality might reasonably be questioned, including but not limited to instances where: (1) the judge has a personal bias or prejudice concerning a party or a party's lawyer ..."
York ruled Friday that because Nader is affiliated with political parties in other states, including the Reform Party, he cannot run as an independent in New Mexico.
Joining Adair in Saturday's complaint were Frank Clinard, a Libertarian; Steve Cabiedes, a Green Party candidate for Bernalillo County Clerk; Arville Sullins, a Democrat from Roswell; and Elizabeth Cook, president of Concerned Citizens of Albuquerque, according to a news release from Adair.
York was the fifth judge assigned to the Nader lawsuit in Albuquerque, court records show.
District Court Judges William F. Lang, Linda M. Vanzi, Geraldine E. Rivera and Robert L. Thompson were recused, excused or challenged, court records show.
Copyright 2004 Albuquerque Journal
Dist. Judge York is Asked to Resign in Wake of Nader Ruling (http://www.abqjournal.com/elex/225473elex09-19-04.htm)
By Andy Lenderman
Journal Politics Writer
A Republican state senator from Roswell and several people from other political parties on Saturday called for state District Court Judge Wendy York to resign.
Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry's federal disclosure records show a $1,000 campaign contribution earlier this year from Wendy E. York of Albuquerque. Meanwhile, the judge ruled Friday that Ralph Nader cannot run in New Mexico as an independent presidential candidate, knocking him off the state's Nov. 2 ballot.
State judges may contribute to a political organization, according to New Mexico's Code of Judicial Conduct. But York should have recused herself from the Nader case, state Sen. Rod Adair, R-Roswell, said.
Kerry's campaign reported the contribution from Wendy E. York and listed the judge's home address in Albuquerque, The Associated Press reported.
Repeated telephone messages left by the Journal for York on Friday and Saturday were not returned.
Democrats wanted Nader off the New Mexico ballot, as in other states, fearing that even a small percentage of votes going to him could undermine Kerry in a close contest with President Bush. Adair had encouraged New Mexico voters to sign petitions nominating Nader to the state ballot.
Adair said that if York does not resign by Monday, the group will file a complaint with the state's Judicial Standards Commission.
Adair cited a Code of Judicial conduct provision that says in part, "A judge is disqualified and shall recuse himself or herself in a proceeding in which the judge's impartiality might reasonably be questioned, including but not limited to instances where: (1) the judge has a personal bias or prejudice concerning a party or a party's lawyer ..."
York ruled Friday that because Nader is affiliated with political parties in other states, including the Reform Party, he cannot run as an independent in New Mexico.
Joining Adair in Saturday's complaint were Frank Clinard, a Libertarian; Steve Cabiedes, a Green Party candidate for Bernalillo County Clerk; Arville Sullins, a Democrat from Roswell; and Elizabeth Cook, president of Concerned Citizens of Albuquerque, according to a news release from Adair.
York was the fifth judge assigned to the Nader lawsuit in Albuquerque, court records show.
District Court Judges William F. Lang, Linda M. Vanzi, Geraldine E. Rivera and Robert L. Thompson were recused, excused or challenged, court records show.
Copyright 2004 Albuquerque Journal