Durbin Disputes Turley Attack on Roberts

George Washington University law professor Jonathon Turley in an LATimes Editorial (HT: Open Book) criticized Supreme Court nominee Judge John G Roberts, Jr. for telling Sen. Richard Durbin (D-Ill.) he would recuse himself if the law required a ruling that his church considers immoral. Turley referred specifically to abortion related cases as potential problems for Roberts and wrote that this was the "first unscripted answer in the most carefully scripted nomination in history. It was also the wrong answer."

Unfortunately for Turley the account he published is now being contradicted by one of his primary witnesses.

"Jonathan Turley's column is not accurate," Durbin press secretary Joe Shoemaker said to the Washington Times, adding that his boss never asked that question and Judge Roberts never said he would recuse himself in such a case.

"Judge Roberts said repeatedly that he would follow the rule of law," Mr. Shoemaker said.

Turley is reportedly sticking to his story.