Are Judges Mere Foils in a Political Witch Hunt Orchestrated by Martinez and Chandler?

Bill Richardson

According to the Albuquerque Journal, Bill Richardson has been listed together with more than a dozen current and former judges as potential witnesses that could be called to testify in the trial of Judge Michael Murphy. Murphy was indicted by a grand jury last month on bribery and other related charges. The Journal also quoted an email response from Richardson spokesman Gilbert Gallegos. Regarding Richardson's potential testimony, Gallegos reportedly replied, “Governor Richardson doesn’t comment on political witch hunts.”

Judge Lisa Schultz

The response from the Richardson camp echoes insinuations offered by New Mexico Democratic Party Chairman Javier Gonzales. In a press release shortly after the Murphy indictment, Gonzales implied that vindictive political motivations held by Governor Susana Martinez and Special Prosecutor Matt Chandler (Clovis) might well be at the heart of the prosecution of Judge Murphy. The Murphy indictment initially sent shock waves throughout the state. In recent days it has captured the attention of national media outlets, given Richardson's high public profile and the dark implications of the charges. Legal experts have suggested that the strength of the prosecution's case against Judge Murphy will rest with several judges and former judges, especially the sworn testimony of current District Judge Lisa Schultz.

Are Judges Mere Foils in a Political Witch Hunt Orchestrated by Martinez and Chandler?