My narrative...IANALBIRTF... I am not a shorthand taker, so please bear with me...
I got there about 2:55 PM PDT. The courtroom was really quiet with the clerk, court reporter, Mr. Jeffery T. Evan Deputy Soliciter General at the defense table, Linda Jordan and other older lady sitting at the plaintiff's desk. First of all Mr. Evan was in a very nice dark suit with very shiney shoes, white shirt and a nice purple gold mix striped tie, and an Attorney General's Office pin in his lapel. He was balding with a very nice professional short cut around the sides. He looked like a real lawyer. Next was Linda Jordan. A very tall woman with a build commensurate with her height, wearing a very conservative dark suit (between midi and maxi length), dark colored shoes, hair colored golden brown put up in the back with 2 brown clips and 2 inch roots of grey in the front. She wasn't fat, but I could see her being an imposing figure in some situations. The second woman was much short (5' 7 or so), older wearing a grey suit and dark grey kinda mulie shoes without a back. I hope Mimi is reading...
We stared off with Judge McPhee stating that he was going to reach a final determination today based on the arguments, documents, and merits. He asked why there wasn't an order to show cause presented. Ms Jordan was at bat first and seemed a little nervous. She stated that she had one ready to go but couldn't file it due to the short notice. She objected to a document that was presented to everyone this morning from the DNC Mr. Hamlin (sp) declaring that Mr. Obama was the Provisional Candidate. She stated that the convention hasn't been held yet, so this document shouldn't be entered. (don't have copy of letter dated 24Jul12). She also stated that she was going to let her paperwork do most of her talking - the written complaint speaks for itself. Then she brough up the forged BC. (I almost broke out laughing) She was relying on the daffydavids she submitted from America's Sheriff and some dude that hasn't been employed sinced 87. Some more of the usual birfer talking points. Then the Mr. Evan was up. States the document is necessary as it gives the SOS the authority to print ballots under the MOVE program where they have to get the ballots to the military folks overseas at least 45 days prior to an election. The SOS can't wait for the convention results, as the Provisional nominating paper would the various county auditors to print the ballots. Since neither party had challengers to their front runners the SOS is authorized to use the information for ballots with the understanding that if there is a change, then the SOS will have to take responsibilty for his/her action. He address the forged BC issue by stating the BC in not a requirement for nomination in this state and the SOS doesn't have the responsibilty to ask. Mr. Evan stated that the parties themselves are expected to screen their candidates subject to challenge from Congress to THE ELECTORAL COLLEGE. The state didn't need to go into the BC as it doesn't matter. Mr. Evan also said that his paperwork would do the talking. The judge had no questions for either one. Next was Ms. Jordan's rebuttal. She asked why the SOS and the AG waited until this morning to spring the provisional nomination on everyone. The letter was dated 24 July 2012. The judge asked her why did she wait so long to file. Ms. Jordan cited a Washington law concerning timing of challenges. She whined about the President placing his BC on the website and how it was a forgery. Mr. Evan had no more comments. The judge prefaced his ruling with a statement about researching the laws, regulations, and cited court cases which took him a day and a half. He commented on his 2 ways of issuing a decision - where he is all prepped with a decision just waiting for the court arguments to change his mind and the second way is not have time to prepare and would take the matter under advisment. He stated that since this matter is very time sensitive, he will render a decision today which included the letter from the DNC as "important evidence" since he was satisfied on one aspect. He then stated that he was ready to read his decision (see scribd). Read decision from verbatum. He then asked for a final order from Mr. Evan who promptly provided one. Judge McPhee stated that the case was dismissed with prejudice. He said that copies of the decision would be provided to all parties plus any intersted folks (me).
Addenum: While leaving, the older lady in the grey suit asked me what my interest was. She was very nice, and I replied that I was just an interested party. Ms. Jordan asked the court reporter for a copy of the transcript. I believe the CR stated about $150.00. Ms. Jordan indicated that she would like to order one.
All of this took 45 minutes. The Fogbow was represented again.
OPINION:
Judge to Ms. Jordan - It boiled down to "Don't let the gate hit you on the brain on the way out". A paraphrase sure, but that is what I got out of the whole thing. Judge McPhee looked most of the time like he as annoyed that Ms. Jordan was wasting his and the court's time with crap that has already been decided in the last 5 YEARS. Hoping for some kinda sanction, but still with prejudice will do.
Edit: remove callous reference to callouses and spelling it right for a change.
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