State judge bars cameras from senator's trial

TEXAS — A state trial court judge barred television and still cameras in the courtroom for the February 7 trial of Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-Texas) in Fort Worth.

Hutchison is charged with one misdemeanor and four felony counts of misusing state employees and equipment during her tenure as state treasurer. She is also charged with tampering with government records and evidence. Hutchinson has denied the charges.

Her attorneys requested the ban, according to the Associated Press, because she was afraid her election opponents might be able to use her taped testimony to their advantage on election advertisements. She is up for re- election and faces six opponents in the March 8 Republican primary.

Tarrant County District Court Judge John F. Onion, Jr. granted Hutchison’s request on February 2. On February 3, Steve Brill, president of the Courtroom Television Network, filed a motion with the court for permission to televise the trial. According to the Washington Post, Brill also sent a letter to Hutchison which said, “having Court TV at your trial affords your constituents the opportunity to see the entire trial. Not sound bites. Not some anchorman’s or editor’s spin. I assume that this is exactly what you want, and that you will instruct your lawyers accordingly.”

(Texas v. Hutchison; Media Counsel: Chip Babcock, Houston)