AveWatch has a post about Monaghan's monetary donations that made their way to help the re-election campaigns of Justices Markman, Taylor, and Young. Some commenters are wondering whether recusal is proper. I don't have any knowledge or opinion on this topic. (Now, Monaghan's funds apparently went to the Ann Arbor political action committee, not directly to the justices' campaigns. Does that make a difference?)

UPDATE: Ryder notes that, ironically, the Michigan Supreme Court is at this very moment reconsidering its standards for recusal and disqualification in light of the Caperton v. Massey case, which may require a judge's recusal if a party contributed significantly to the judge's election campaign. The Michigan Supreme Court is taking public comments until August 1. More details here.

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