Why Was Bill Simon, GOP Candidate For Governor Of California, So Sure His "Business Fraud" Jury Verdict Would Be Overturned?

The California Superior Court judge, who took the unusual step of overturning a $78 million dollar "business fraud" jury verdict against Bill Simon's company, gave $1000 in the 1998 election cycle to Dan Lundren, the Republican candidate for Governor at that time. Michele Chalfant, the wife of James C. Chalfant, the Superior Court Judge who "cleared" Simon, gave $750 during the same period to Lundren.

Canon 2 of the California Code of Judicial Ethics imposes on judicial officers the duty to "act at all times in a manner that promotes public confidence in the integrity and impartiality of the judiciary." Likewise, Canon 5 cautions judges to "avoid political activity that may create the appearance of political bias or impropriety. Judicial independence and impartiality should dictate the conduct of judges…." Given that in 1998 Lundren lost to Gray Davis, whom Bill Simon faces in the 2002 California race for Governor, the Chalfant political donations might raise some questions for the public as to whether, with respect to this trial and post-trial proceedings, Judge Chalfant possessed the independence and impartiality demanded by the Canons.

Chalfant, after serving in the LA Municipal Court, was appointed to the Superior Court bench by former California Governor Pete Wilson in 1998. Chalfant and his wife also contributed to Wilson's campaign fund.

The $78 million dollar judgment against William Simon and Sons created a formidable stumbling block for the GOP candidate, at a time in July when George W. Bush's Harken problems and Dick Cheney's Halliburton business practices were being widely questioned.