Starcher Fighting Move to Block Massey Recusal Hearing

Justice Larry Starcher is hoping to keep his unprecedented April 10 hearing on a pending recusal motion targeting him from Massey Energy Co.

"In a Wednesday letter to his fellow justices, Starcher reminded them that Massey is suing the high court over its rules governing recusal requests," The Associated Press reports. "Starcher also noted that it was Massey chief executive Don Blankenship who was photographed with Chief Justice Elliott "Spike'' Maynard in Monaco while the company had cases pending before the court."

During public appearances, Starcher has criticized Massey while calling Blankenship "stupid,'' a "clown'' and a "cancer'' on the court. The coal producer has invoked such statements in seeking his disqualification as it appeals a $240 million judgment won against it by Wheeling-Pittsburgh Steel Corp.

"Starcher recused himself in a separate Massey appeal before scheduling the April 10 public hearing in the Wheeling-Pitt case," the AP article said.

The Charleston Gazette also reports on Starcher's response.