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Maynard Recuses Himself From Massey Case Save Email Print
Posted: 8:36 AM Jan 18, 2008
Last Updated: 10:40 AM Jan 18, 2008
Reporter: Scott Saxton
Email Address: scott.saxton@wsaz.com

A | A | A

West Virginia Supreme Court Chief Justice Elliott "Spike" Maynard says he is stepping down from a case involving Massey Energy Co.

Maynard said that while he's certain about his ability to remain fair, the issue has now become one of public perception and public confidence in the courts.

Today's announcement comes in the wake of criticism over Maynard's friendship with Massey's top executive, Don Blankenship.

Maynard had helped overturn a 76.3 million-dollar judgment against the Virginia-based coal giant involving a contract dispute with Harman Mining.

Harman filed a petition last week seeking Maynard's recusal from the case and filed an amended petition this week that included vacation photos of Maynard and Blankenship in Monaco.

Both men have said they were vacationing separately and each paid his own way. And Maynard has insisted that his longtime friendship with Blankenship did not affect his impartiality in the court case.

Stay tuned to wsaz.com for updated information on this developing story

Earlier this week, the WV Supreme Court released a written statement from Chief Justice Elliott "Spike" Maynard in response to a recent court filing that claims he can't be impartial on cases involving Massey Energy.

Lawyers for Harman Mining Company filed a motion to ask for the removal of Maynard as a justice in the case between Harman and Massey. Maynard was part of a 3-2 majority reversal of a $76 million judgment against Massey. Harman wants a reconsideration of that decision.

The court filing Monday included vacation photos of Maynard and Blankenship in Monaco in 2006. The men say they were vacationing separately and met up for some meals. Harman's lawyers claim it shows that Maynard can't be impartial.

Tuesday, Maynard released the following statement:
"I will file a written response promptly to the motion filed yesterday, but first let me say I've been a prosecutor, Judge or Justice for more than 30 years and nothing is more important to me than the integrity of the Court.
The suggestion I have done something improper is nonsense.
Like most judges I don t reward my friends, or punish my enemies from the bench.
I have never denied my friendship with Mr. Blankenship. Our friendship has never influenced any decision I ve made for the Court.
I'm going to address the specific allegations separately, but I want to be crystal clear that in the noted trip I paid my own way, paid for my travel expenses, paid my own hotel expenses out of my own pocket. I have receipts and records to prove it."

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Posted by: Can't Stand Spike on Jan 26, 2008 at 10:19 AM
If Democratim s vote for him this time, we actually do live in a STUPID State. He is a CROOK. See ya SPIKEY in the unemployment line.

Posted by: Chief on Jan 23, 2008 at 08:01 PM
Hey Spike and Don, see all the complainers below, they are only jealous they couldn't go with you all.

Posted by: Jude on Jan 22, 2008 at 09:42 PM
KMG, go back to school, whether it is one per hole or 500 per hole, it still equals an average of 1 per 1.2 minutes for 10 hour shift. I will take home fries. Maybe that is why Don has to make such statements.

Posted by: TYLER on Jan 21, 2008 at 08:00 AM
I wonder how many people leaving negative comments about Don Blankenship are Massey employees or have many Massey employees in their family. I wish we had more CEO's like him. Shouldn't the media outlets be careful not to get too involved in this so news story. Remember Don spends alot of money on television advertising.

Posted by: K-M-G on Jan 21, 2008 at 04:25 AM
hey jude the roof bolter drills more than one at a time. do you want fries with that?

Posted by: Sue on Jan 21, 2008 at 01:55 AM
Mingo County has always been corrupted and still is. The Sheriff office is something else they need to look into. If you need a cop you better call the State Police. When you have to look the law up and take to the Sheriff, because him and his officers don't know the law, then you know you are in trouble. Get it together Mingo County.

Posted by: agnes on Jan 21, 2008 at 01:49 AM
Just 2 good ole boys trying to make a living off of hard working people.Traveling the jet set with their traveling companions and don't you think that for 2 men divorced for 20 some odd years have never married and don't they look cozy and happy to be together, I wonder if the companions were just for looks, could they be more than friends?

Posted by: Kendall on Jan 20, 2008 at 09:47 PM
I wonder how this will afffect the "Friends Of Coal" Bowl game next year ? Not too mant friends left it seems .

Posted by: Cindy on Jan 20, 2008 at 08:57 PM
The plot thickens...Spike should have recused himself from the beginning. Again, watch them scurry to save face,is it humanly possible that these folks can be more corrupt?? I sincerely hate that the good judge will now have to survive on a government salary...hope he can keep his lights on..

Posted by: Anonymous on Jan 20, 2008 at 08:27 PM
Well all I can say is don't the attorneys look into who the judges are friends with. He says it didn't affect his judgement but when they pick jurors for cases if you know either party your not picked because you might side with the one you know. Seems to me that the attorneys should do more investigation work......

Posted by: Nathan on Jan 20, 2008 at 08:23 PM
its not favoritism its just like rich rod its all about the money

Posted by: Jude on Jan 20, 2008 at 06:20 PM
500 roof bolts in 10 hours. Naw: that would average 1 per minute. I don't think John Henry could drill that many.

Posted by: ME on Jan 20, 2008 at 04:25 PM
Don Blankenship is a great American,a patriot giving the people jobs,Don,can I please have some money???

Posted by: Anonymous on Jan 20, 2008 at 04:14 PM
who in WV is more hated....Coach Rodriquez or Don Blankenship do a poll on that one

Posted by: Kevin M on Jan 20, 2008 at 04:11 PM
Thanks, for the online poll I think it will be interesting to see the outcome.

Posted by: Dave on Jan 20, 2008 at 01:41 PM
I think we need a poll on brett , should he recuses himself from any massey case, Lets have one It would only be fair.If one recuses himself there is just as much reason for the other to do so!

Posted by: R. Perry on Jan 20, 2008 at 09:51 AM
I agree with Kevin M, WSAZ lets have an online poll to see if people thinks it was favoritism or not.

Posted by: Kevin M on Jan 19, 2008 at 09:08 PM
Hey WSAZ how about an online poll to see what people think.

Posted by: Joe the roof bolter on Jan 19, 2008 at 07:42 PM
Dear Everett Conn I don,t know who you are but I know who you are not .You are not a roof bolter drilling and feeling holes with roof bolts some days 500 in a 10 hour shift hour shift working in dust from the continous miner so thick you can see more then 1 to 2 feet from you and the roof all around you and some times on and some times men get killed you hear about them on the T V The ones that can not work again Don calls them lazy and they do not want to work.You Mr Conn need to put up about 500 bolts and then come outside and told you WILL go back and put up 500 more for 10 more hours in the dust and the falling around you BUT DON,T get hurt or BLACK Lung Because if you do and massey fights like they always do your case ( after you have lost everything including your health) Your case will be BEFORE Guess WHO ? Spike and Brett ---Wake up

Posted by: Hillary Clinton on Jan 19, 2008 at 07:38 PM
Don Blankinship for President!

Posted by: John on Jan 19, 2008 at 07:33 PM
Now if he were an honest man, he would resign from the court. If he was hearing this case he would convict himself if he was HONEST. Spike YOU HAVE BEEN CAUGHT.

Posted by: Concerned Citizen on Jan 19, 2008 at 07:10 PM
If it is coal that keeps my lights on then by all means turn them out. I want nothing to do with coal. Coal is what is keeping W.V. in the 19 th century. Coal is West Virginia's past, not West Virginia's future. As soon as we realize this the better off we will be.

Posted by: Fritz on Jan 19, 2008 at 05:55 PM
Chad, Manchin didn't take the picture, it was Enrique the towel boy.

Posted by: john on Jan 19, 2008 at 11:47 AM
to K-M-G THATS WHY MASSEY CANN'T KEEP EMPLOYEE'S NOW THE NO BRAIN THINKING OF D.BLANKENSHIP SHOWS EXACTLY HOW THE WHOLE MASSEY COMPANY THINKS OF PEOPLE

Posted by: Inspector on Jan 19, 2008 at 11:41 AM
Evertt Conn is on Masey's Payroll, why didn't you give your address too? so maybe Don Blankenship or Spike Maynard can bring you a new car or 4 wheeler like they do the inspectors.

Posted by: K-M-G on Jan 19, 2008 at 08:08 AM
I worked for masey for a couple of years Don Blankenship once said in an interview quote " with all of the new technology and safety in place, no miner is worth more than $8.00 an hour" ( this is before Sago). You don't work for Masey they own you, after your shift we had to check in to see if we could leave, many of times they would make us pull a double and if some one refused they would escort you off the property.

Posted by: Lisa on Jan 19, 2008 at 06:37 AM
Iam ashamed to be from WV...I think its about time for hard working coal miners to run Massey and Blankenship out of WV. The politics in WV runs everything its all about who you know and if you have money you can buy whatever politician you need. Wake up West Virginians and take your state back.....

Posted by: Wife of a coalminer on Jan 18, 2008 at 09:10 PM
To dave You must of bumped your head on something.Cause Coal does keep our lights on.And if you want to run all the coalmines off your crazy cause it's people like my husband that goes under their everyday and mines the coal that keeps the lights.No matter if it's Massey or another company they are all dirty they just don't let it be know like massey.So don't kock the miners or coal until you have been in their.

Posted by: Everett Conn on Jan 18, 2008 at 09:03 PM
Spike and Don are distinguished leaders of the State. I am proud they are from Mingo County, and you people should not assume anything about them without evidence. Spike will get my vote!

Posted by: Alan on Jan 18, 2008 at 07:45 PM
If only we would unite on more issues like we have on this one we could get more things done. Spike has kneel to the will of the people. Maybe next time he'll lie down or fetch.

Posted by: Amy on Jan 18, 2008 at 07:31 PM
Hey Disturbed I'm with you... Evelyn must be on their payroll. Admire their accomplishments? Come on, screwing over the people of WV and KY and smiling about it in pictures! Well lady my name is Amy and I'm not afraid to give a real name. You need to look elsewhere for someone to admire... Spike Maynard and Don Blankenship do not deserve the admiration of anyone.

Posted by: MINGO CO. on Jan 18, 2008 at 06:47 PM
SO, OKAY IF THE OWNER OF MASSEY HAS BOUGHT OFF MR. MAYNARD, THEN WHAT ABOUT OTHER COAL AND GAS COMPANIES THAT WENT UP IN FRONT OF HIM IN COURT IN MINGO COUNTY? HUMM, MAKES YOU THINK.

Posted by: greg on Jan 18, 2008 at 06:34 PM
One down one to go that right, what about bret He should not be on any Massey cases He should Recuses Himself too

Posted by: always been on Jan 18, 2008 at 02:33 PM
have you ever known anyone in any kind of political seat or office to be poor? NO you have not because it has always been this way back in civil war days no one with any less than 50 acre od land was even allowed to hold a position, the rich are corrupt,dishonest,etc. this story of a judge is no suprise to me people like this run everything, and that is why things are not good, they tax our income then get us any time be buy something with what they allowed us to keep,(double dipping) they want to help with fuel, well take the state and federal taxes off! but that may hurt us they say, they make us go to work and tax our hard earned money just to give it to people who are lazzy and breed just to increase the check amount,makes me sick but that is the way they want it rich get richer and the poor well they die....we cant afford the rich peoples health care.

Posted by: Anonymous on Jan 18, 2008 at 02:13 PM
it was little green aliens with bug eyes

Posted by: D.C. on Jan 18, 2008 at 02:07 PM
Don Blankenship paid to put many people in office so he can further his own cause. He is still doing it today. Watch closely what he is doing particularly in Mingo County. It would be interesting if the Attorney General got involved. But Mr. Blankenship probably has things covered in that department too.

Posted by: Chad on Jan 18, 2008 at 01:35 PM
The part they left out in this story is that Joe Manchin took the picture. If the coal industry pulled out of WV, WV would be nothing.

Posted by: mrmaynard on Jan 18, 2008 at 01:27 PM
Mr Blankenship is a great man,with alot of $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

Posted by: Anonymous on Jan 18, 2008 at 11:05 AM
We need to vote Spike out of office!!! This is ridiculous! Anyone that Don Blankensip supports, I am generally against. We should not allow one man to buy our state! I agree with Dave, we need to take back our state!!!!

Posted by: john on Jan 18, 2008 at 11:01 AM
Massey coal hired this stooge {D.Blankenship]to do they're dirty work,laying down the ground work for future lawsuits paying him millions,Maynard is not alone Brent Benjamin who else? Just keep watching to see who gets their shoulders and backs rubbed by the Massey Coal stooge.

Posted by: Wapner on Jan 18, 2008 at 09:55 AM
I'd like to know how the photos got out? I mean, who leaked them to Harman?

Posted by: Tom on Jan 18, 2008 at 09:23 AM
If Maynard was concerned about "the Court" he would have reclused himself when this came before the court the first time. He wasn't concerned and didn't - he joined a ruling in favor of his old buddy. He is reclusing himself this time because everything is out where people can see it!

Posted by: dave on Jan 17, 2008 at 09:10 AM
Ok. All of you people are hippocrites. (dont care if it's spelled wrong) Any time an environmentalist group does something good, you people trash them on here. Talking about "tree-huggers" and preaching to us about how coal "keeps the lights on." Now, this story comes out (at no surprise) and everybody acts like they've been against big coal from the start. How many of you people supported the friends of coal before?? How many of you people have used the word "tree-hugger"? This is what you get when you trust trash like Don Blankenship and pretty much any politition or judge. You get screwed. So don't complain that Massey is buying you out, when you asked for it yourselves. One day people will realize that coal companies are and always have taken advantage of WV and the good people in it. LETS TAKE BACK OUR STATE!!!!

Posted by: EM on Jan 16, 2008 at 11:06 PM
Politics AS USUAL in WV. This state is becoming known as one of the worst... Time for a little less apathy and a little more education, fellow citizens... Run the criminals out of office! http://calhoununderground.wordpress.com

Posted by: Jackie on Jan 16, 2008 at 10:36 PM
Now theres a name for you Evelyn. Maynard shouldnt be on any case for Massey!I dont care who you are if your friend is in trouble you will help them just like you have here with the big speach about the two of them. And my name is Jackie does that help you some how if you know my name?

Posted by: John Collins on Jan 16, 2008 at 10:18 PM
Finally we that have been severly hurt by Maynard might get some revenge or just do's against Maynard. I think this is GREAT.

Posted by: John on Jan 16, 2008 at 10:12 PM
Maynard is a CROOK. Incompetent Judge and obsiously dishonest.

Posted by: larry on Jan 16, 2008 at 08:44 PM
how did spike and mr B know that they were in france? u can get a receipt but it must have ben under the table. this is no good. once u get power u get the big head

Posted by: CBC on Jan 16, 2008 at 07:53 PM
DON BLANKENSHIP THINKS HE IS GOD. THE MAN HAS SERIOUS MENTAL ISSUES. I CAN'T WAIT FOR THE DAY WHEN HE MEETS HIS MAKER AND HAS TO ANSWER FOR THE EVIL HE HAS DONE, NOT ONLY TO THE PEOPLE OF WV & KY, BUT EVEN TO HIS OWN FAMILY. DON, IF YOU ARE READING THIS, YOU KNOW WHAT I MEAN.

Posted by: CHRIS on Jan 16, 2008 at 07:51 PM
WHEN SPIKE WAS IN MINGO COUNTY, HE GOT SEVERAL SPEEDING TICKETS TAKEN CARE OF FOR PEOPLE THAT I KNOW, SOME FAMILY MEMBERS, FOR NOTHING IN EXHANGE BUT THE PROMISE OF A VOTE. I WAS EVEN ABLE TO GET OUT OF JURY DUTY SIMPLY BECAUSE HE KNEW MY GRANDMOTHER, WHO HAD NO MONEY. SO WHY WOULD ONE THINK HE WOULDN'T DO SOMETHING DISHONEST FOR DON BLANKENSHIP, WHO IS KNOWN FOR BUYING HIS WAY INTO EVERYTHING?

Posted by: Disturbed on Jan 16, 2008 at 07:37 PM
to EVELYN, unless you are "Prince",first names dont constitute a "real name"..secondly you state that people are "jealous" of their success?? Were you serious about> People aren't jealous , they are outraged and angered..as they should. Why don'y you invite Mr. Blankenship to perform the work that real men do daily in the mines, and give him a paycheck that equals a McDonald's salary. Neither of the men, because I just can't refer to them as "gentlemen" have "earned" anything but wonderment in how the have it so easy..for so little...obviously you have never worked, my opinion is that you are supported by one or more of these "men"...get a real job and a real life..let me know how "jealous" you are then.

Posted by: J on Jan 16, 2008 at 06:56 PM
To any one who thinks that Spike Maynard is the only one who has done this, you are deceiving yourself. Try to find a lawyer to sue the hospital in Huntington - won't happen, because doctors and lawyers run in the same circles. Wake up. It's not just Democrat or Republican.

Posted by: smokey on Jan 16, 2008 at 06:29 PM
Don Blankenship and Spike fly frequently in Massey's plane to see Don's son at racing events. It seems that Maynard WANTS to make sure he hears any Massey cases!

Posted by: greg on Jan 16, 2008 at 06:21 PM
Shame on all of us for putting people like this in office ,no wonder people else were think WV is the arm pit he should be ran out of town Spike and Don

Posted by: EVELYN on Jan 16, 2008 at 03:33 PM
TO DISTURBED, MAYBE YOU WERE TOO DISTURBED TO GIVE YOUR REAL NAME, AS A LOT OF OTHERS, BUT I WAS NEITHER TOO NAIVE, TOO DISTURBED, NOR TOO AFRAID TO GIVE A REAL NAME.

Posted by: Victim of Coal on Jan 16, 2008 at 03:17 PM
What astonishes me is the surprise this has generated. One need only look as far as Martin County KY to see the corruption. Noone seems to remember the sludge dam brake in 99 that led to a huge fine, that was later overturned in 02. The Bush administration intervened to reduce the fine to less than $1500. Maybe someone should read the Robert Kennedy report on the industry. Maybe the media should do their job and report these issues. 460 mountaintops removed, 1400 streams and natural runoffs filled in, multiple cases of contaminated water. Why does the media refuse to acknowledge the devestation being brought to our area by the "Friends of Coal". Do any of these friends have to drink the water they have contaminated? I'd bet not. If the people of this region will not stand up for themselves then they are partially to blame. There are dozens of websites that are fighting for WV and KY families but the media stands by oblivious. My bumpersticker reads "Victims of Coal"

Posted by: Disturbed on Jan 16, 2008 at 02:11 PM
In response to the comment posted by "EVELYN"..lady, you are either related and to these folks and revelling in joys that their dirty money pays for, or..you are possibly the most naive person on the planet.

Posted by: Cammy on Jan 16, 2008 at 02:03 PM
The people of Mingo County should be ashamed of their elected officials, all of them. It is an insult to the taxpayers and voters intelligence to declare such childish excuses. Don Blankenship has bought and paid for most of the politicians in Mingo County and yet, he doesn't have a clue on what it feels like to do an actual hard day's work. Yes, the good people of the surrounding counties that walk into a Massey mine and work in conditions that aren't fit for an animal..those are the folks that have paid for the political unrest, wonder if the "Judge" will give the "workin man" a break when it comes his turn??.All of it makes me sick at my stomach...

Posted by: Jim on Jan 16, 2008 at 10:36 AM
Back in 2000 a biker organization trying to lobby against a helmet law for bikers held a party at a Charleston hotel for politicians which I attended. Maynard attended and cavorted with a younger blond biker chick who left with him. I'm guessing the bikers who organized this thought he might use his influence to get the proposal defeated. It passed overwhelmingly. I bet the biker chick felt used.

Posted by: Anonymous on Jan 16, 2008 at 08:47 AM
If it looks like a duck...busted is all I can say. Wouldn't we ALL love to hang out on the French Riviera? WE can't afford it though So they are long-time friends? I'm sure no one else would be allowed to hear such a case for much less "conflict of interest" reasons! But as Concerned Cit says, they may as well leave him 'cause they will just buy & own the next one too. King Coal OWNS WV, always has, always will AND they buy state officials, judges AND Presidents. Wonder who they're supporting and how much $$$$ they're putting in one of the candidates for Prez's war chest THIS year? They certainly padded Dubya's chest well both times & just look how many permits esp for "mountain-top" they got in return Yep, "fair & balanced" world/government to me including this "case" & "decision"

Posted by: Concerned Citizen on Jan 16, 2008 at 07:45 AM
You have got to be kidding, just because you can show a receipt dose not prove you paid for it. Blankenship could have paid for it all and then gave Maynard the receipts. The very appearance of them together on this trip should disqualify Judge Maynard.

Posted by: R.E. on Jan 16, 2008 at 07:19 AM
I hope they didnt catch "bed bugs" on their trip, we have enough problems here now. oh, and pictures don't lie, I wonder if some more pics will show up.

Posted by: JOHN on Jan 16, 2008 at 01:24 AM
TIS THE SEASON TO ASK FOR WHAT YOU WANT MR BLANKENSHIP OUR SO CALLED POLITICIANS ARE READY AND WILLING TO FORGET ABOUT EVERYTHING AS LONG AS THE DOLLAR SIGNS RING OUR COUNTRY IS MORE LIKE A LITTLE RUSSIA THAN AMERICA

Posted by: Concerned Citizen on Jan 15, 2008 at 11:06 PM
They might as well leave him in office because Big Coal will just buy the next one of as well. This is what we have to face in W.V.

Posted by: Bucky on Jan 15, 2008 at 10:01 PM
I voted for "Spike" Maynard to be a Supreme Court Judge...I am very ashamed of myself for voting for Mr. Maynard. I will never vote for him again. This is typical Don Blankenship...he has all these judges in his pocket... Bucky, Mingo County

Posted by: Lee on Jan 15, 2008 at 09:55 PM
Spike Maynard and Don Blankenship, together? Why are we surprised? Both originate from Mingo County. Both got rich while others worked and worked liked slaves while the two of them walk around without a care in the world. Sounds like typical Mingo County politics if you ask me. God have mercy on the working man, I know Don Blankenship and Spike Maynard don't.

Posted by: From PIKE CO, KY on Jan 15, 2008 at 08:38 PM
I am not surprised since it is known that Brother Don owns everything...including the politicians. The man has a god complex and expects us all to fall at his feet.

Posted by: Patricia on Jan 15, 2008 at 07:23 PM
MR MAYNARD SHOULD HAVE EXCUSED HISSELF FROM THE COURT DURING THE VOTING ON THE BEHALF OF HIS FRIENDSHIP WITH BLANKENSHIP, IF I WAS ON A JURY AND A MAN PAID AS MUCH AS BLANKENSHIP TO GET ME ELECTED THEY WOULD HAVE EXCUSED ME FROM THE TRIAL PROCEDURES, SO MR MAYNARD NEEDS TO EXCUSE HISSELF FROM ANY OTHER PROCEDURES INVOLVING MASSEY

Posted by: Michelle on Jan 15, 2008 at 07:22 PM
As a retired union coal miners daughter I feel that this is wrong. Like jurers when there picked if they know anyone involved in a case they are removed. If maynard knew Blankenship then the case should have been moved to another judge. Favortism is highly showing in this case. Why is it everyone sides with Massey and Blankenship? Looks like yet again Blankenship and Massey have paid off the judges and courts again like always. Here us hard working people who work hard for our money HONESTLY still can't afford big trips but because Masseys pays off so many people they can afford to pay Blankenship enough to go on big trips. If he was a Union man he would work honestly. Like Massey and the Cannelton workers they were ordered to bring them back to work and have they as of this date no because a union person knows a lier when they see one and know how to work and work hard.

Posted by: EVELYN on Jan 15, 2008 at 07:06 PM
IF THIS HAD BEEN 2 OTHER PEOPLE, TRAVELING SEPARATELY,EACH PAYING HIS OWN EXPENSES, WHO HAPPENED TO MEET ALONG THEIR PLANNED VACATION, IT WOULD HAVE BEEN JUST A NICE COINCIDENCE. I WOULD SAVE MY CRITCISM TO "JUDGE" SOMEONE WHO TOOK A TRIP AT SOMEONE ELSE'S EXPENSE, NOT ONE WHO PAID FOR HIS OWN. I AM SURE THAT IN WV AND IN THE U.S., WE CAN SURELY FIND ANOTHER POLITICAL NAME THAT CAN FIT THE CRITERIA. SINCE DON BLANKENSHIP AND JUDGE MAYNARD CAME FROM HUMBLE BEGINNINGS, AND COAL MINING FAMILIES, I CAN ONLY ADMIRE THEIR ACCOMPLISHMENTS, AND THEIR COMMITMENT TO THEIR BELIEFS AND RESPONSIBILITIES. BUT SOME CAN ONLY KNOW JEALOUSY OF SUCH ACHIEVEMENTS.

Posted by: William on Jan 15, 2008 at 06:58 PM
I have been acquainted with Elliot Maynard for 16 years. As a professional police officer for 30 years, I have observed his fairness and impartiality first hand in Mingo County Circuit Court. His integrity is beyond reproach. If you needed to go to prison in Mingo County, you got your butt kicked instead of having your hand slapped. His sense of fairness, impartiality, and irreproachable integrity have followed him to the hightest court in WV. Just because some feel it is "politically correct" to attack Don Blankenship and obviously anyone who associates with him, let's not let our emotions confuse the facts with what others seeking to futher their own agenda would like to be the truth. Consider the source of the allegations. The source has several million reasons to fabricate these allegations with irresponsible disregard for the reputation of a good and honest man. A short foot note; I am not related to Elliot Maynard nor have I ever lived in Mingo Co. I have worked in Mingo Co.

Posted by: Concerned Citizen on Jan 15, 2008 at 06:45 PM
It is commonly known among West Virginians that the coal industry has Spike Maynard “in their pocket.”

Posted by: roy on Jan 15, 2008 at 06:43 PM
this is the way the coal companies operate in wv.they have almost all the politicians in their pockets and the people here are too nieve to know whats going on.

Posted by: Teresa on Jan 15, 2008 at 06:40 PM
I think Judge Maynard should have removed himself from the court case between Massey Energy and Harman Mining due to his close personal friendship with Don Blankenship. Maynard says he has hotel receipts. What about airfare receipts?

Posted by: real on Jan 15, 2008 at 06:34 PM
Please, these guys look like good buddies. I have trouble seeing this Judge in any case that involved Massey. I believe we can do better than this. We all have to obey the law, but it always seems that the wealthiest get a free pass to determine the outcome of events that affect the 90% of use.

Posted by: Harry on Jan 15, 2008 at 06:32 PM
I am a native West Virginian and this stinks to high heaven. Judge Maynard's(if you can call him a Judge) response should be to resign. If not, he should be impeached. It makes much more sense now why Mr. Blankenship is so interested in WV Politics.

Posted by: thersa on Jan 15, 2008 at 06:27 PM
This is a disgrace for WV. Sounds like very poor judgement for a judge on our highest State court. Now it looks like Mr. B. has more millions to buy more votes for candidates of his personal choice. And, is Justice Maynard running again? How very convenient this "long-time" friendship will be for him now. Who owes whom and where does it all end?

Posted by: charles on Jan 15, 2008 at 06:26 PM
I think Spike is bought and paid for by Mr. Blankenship

Posted by: bobby on Jan 15, 2008 at 06:18 PM
under the court rules that the supreme court of west virginia uses. all judicial personel shall at all times avoid the appearance of favorittisim. i guess the rules do not apply to mr maynard the same as , magistrates, family court judges and circuit court judges. all must avoid the appearance of impropriety. but as always the rules never apply to the justices.

Posted by: John on Jan 15, 2008 at 05:31 PM
I think the Federal Supreme Court should step in and remove Mr Maynard from this & place another judge on the trial, this is unfair to Harmon. This is what is wrong with our law system today, to much favortism being tossed around.

Posted by: Voter on Jan 15, 2008 at 04:49 PM
This still smells fishy. I do think we pay judges too much money, because most hard working West Virginians will never ever be able to afford a trip to France. They should both be ashamed to flaunt their expensive trips to us poor taxpayers and coal miners. They both earned their riches from the sweat of our brow.

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