Libby Bail Hearing Gets "Conservative" Judges

According to a post on the Libby Legal Defense Trust website (referencing an AP story on Boston.com), the issue of an appellate bond for convicted I. "Scooter" Libby will be decided by appellate "Judges David B. Sentelle, Karen Lecraft Henderson and David Tatel."  Two were appointed by Republican Presidents and one by Clinton. Hon. David B. Sentelle was crucial in the appointment of Kenneth Starr.  Hon. Sentelle was also one of two judges (along w/ Hon. D.H. Ginsburg) that voted to reverse the conviction in the case of United States v. Poindexter, 951 F.2d 369 (D.C. 1991), a case dissented to by Judge Mikva.  But as noted by Boston.com, Hon Reggie Walton, who was appointed by President Bush, refused to grant an appellate bond. Key to this decision will be whether Libby can show that his appellate issues raise a "substantial question of law or fact" that might result in an eventual reversal of the conviction.

(esp)