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Bush nominee promises fair hearings for tribes
Friday, September 29, 2006

One of President Bush's judicial nominees says he will provide fair hearings for tribes despite his links to anti-tribal groups.

Robert Jonker has been nominated for a federal judgeship in Western Michigan. He has represented anti-gaming groups whose legal challenges to the land-into-trust process have been rejected by the courts. He is also a member of 23 is Enough, an anti-gaming group.

Most of Michigan's tribes say Jonker's record raises questions about his impartiality. But in a questionnaire for the Senate Judiciary Committee, Jonker said he will be able to apply the law fairly.

The committee could consider Jonker's nomination today.

Get the Story:
Michigan judicial nominee answers questions over tribal issues (AP 9/28)

Tribal Letter:
Opposition to Robert Jonker (September 8, 2006)

Relevant Links:
Judicial nominees, Department of Justice site - http://www.usdoj.gov/olp/judicialnominations.htm

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