The Tolbert Report

Speaking from the Old Supreme Court Chamber, Circuit Judge John Fogleman formally announced that he will run for the Arkansas Supreme Court this coming year.  Fogleman will face Court of Appeals Judge Courtney Henry of Fayetteville who announced last week.  Fogleman was introduced by retired Arkansas Supreme Court Chief Justice Dub Arnold who know Fogleman when they were both Circuit Judges.

The Chamber was filled with family and friends who supported Fogleman as well around a dozen protestors.  A group called Arkansans Take Action showed up to protest Fogleman based larger on their belief that he mishandled the prosecution of the so called West Memphis Three.  Jason Baldwin, Damien Echols and Jessie Misskelley were convicted of killings three young boys in West Memphis back in 1993.  The protestors stood up to reveal tshirts reading “Abuse of Power” with the names of the West Memphis Three printed on them.

Brent Peterson, spokesman for the group and owner of Trio’s Restaurant in Little Rock said that their mission is to raise awareness of what they belief is a pattern of misconduct while Fogleman was deputy prosecuting attorney in Crittenden County.  “Fogleman would decide what was important to his cases and ignore or neglect the rest of the information, even if it was exculpatory,” said Peterson. “…to elect such a man who tailors the law and its procedures to his own advantage, to a State Supreme Court Judge position would be like his grapefruit experiment, ridiculous.”

“They have a constitutional right to free speech and I respect that right.  They have the right to their own opinions and they expressed them,” said Fogleman in response to the protestors. “This race is not about the State of Arkansas Vs. Damien Echols, Jason Baldwin, and Jessie Misskelley.  This race is about what person is best qualified and experienced to serve the people of Arkansas and is best equipped to make those decisions on issues that are very difficult and very serious issues.”  Fogleman said that if elected he would not hear any case involving the West Memphis Three.

Will this be an issue throughout the campaign?  Peterson said his group has made their point but will be back if they are needed.  ” I am not sure if Courtney Henry wants my endorsement, but if so she has it,” said Peterson.

Also - Former independant candidate for Governor of Arkansas and fellow blogger Rod Bryan offers some video of the protest.  I spoke with Bryan before the announcement and I think it is safe to say that he will not be voting for Fogleman.

Tags: 2010 Candidates