Bush renominates tribal foe to Michigan judgeship

Tuesday, March 20, 2007  

President Bush renominated Robert Jonker to a federal judgeship in Michigan despite opposition from several tribes.

Jonker, an attorney, 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

Michigan tribes say Jonker's close involvement with the anti-gaming movement raises questions about his impartiality. They were able to hold up his nomination last year.

Get the Story:
Bush renominates five for Michigan judicial posts (AP 3/20)

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

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

Related Stories:
Bush nominee promises fair hearings for tribes (09/29)
Another Michigan tribe joins fight against judge pick (09/12)
Michigan tribes oppose Bush's federal judge pick (9/11)
Bush renominates Myers for federal court judgeship (8/31)
Michigan tribe finally acquires land base for casino (01/30)
Appeals court sides with tribe in trust land dispute (01/09)
Michigan tribe questions land-into-trust delay (01/05)
Appeals court hears Pokagon Potawatomi casino case (12/09)
Michigan tribe not worried about industry changes (10/04)
Tribal leader wants probe of Griles-Abramoff links (08/31)
Abramoff tried to hire Griles at lobbying firm (8/29)
Traffic, crime a concern for Nottawaseppi casino (08/25)
BIA holds public hearing on Nottawaseppi casino (08/24)
Michigan tribe wants to intervene in casino case (07/29)
Lawsuit planned over Michigan tribe's casino (06/13)
Bush preparing dozens of judicial nominees (6/3)