Spike & Don: We'll Always Have Monte Carlo

Though he's recused himself from the Harman Mining case, Supreme Court Chief Justice Elliott "Spike" Maynard may not be through the tumult over his relationship with Massey Energy Co's Don Blankenship.

As The Associated Press reports, West Virginia's sole appeals court has other cases involving the coal producer. The list of expected appeals, meanwhile, includes a $239 million judgment won by Wheeling-Pittsburgh Steel Co. last year.

"Separately, Maynard is running for re-election this year and at least one Democratic primary opponent has already raised questions about his Monaco meet-up," AP reports. "Also, Maynard has promised to release “receipts and records” some time this week to answer allegations that Blankenship subsidized his July 2006 jaunt to Europe."

As for the Harman case, "A motion for the Supreme Court to rehear the case is pending. But the attorney for the plaintiff says Maynard’s recusal today could lead to the original verdict against Massey being upheld," Public Broadcasting reports (with audio).

Harman's president, Hugh Caperton, also commented on Friday's development and what lies ahead to The Register-Herald of Beckley.