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 For Immediate Release
Dec 4, 2000 Contact: Press Office
202-646-5172
Based on the Facts Presented, Judge Sauls Made Correct Decision – Judge Sauls’ Conduct A Model For Judiciary

Ruling Will Be Difficult for Gore to Overturn

Judicial Watch “Official Observer” During Court Proceedings – Will Continue to Count Disputed Florida Ballots

(Washington, DC) Judicial Watch, the non-partisan government watchdog, today praised Judge N. Sanders Sauls for his judicious conduct during the Gore election contest trial. Judicial Watch also noted that the court’s ruling was soundly based on the facts presented to him over the past two days of testimony. Judicial Watch representatives were present in person during the proceeding, having been granted official observer status by Judge Sauls last week. Judicial Watch also made submissions in the case to try to ensure a fair and honest adjudication.

“Judge Sauls’ ruling will, in large measure, be difficult for Gore to overturn. Much of his ruling hinged on the evidence Judge Sauls heard in person. Any higher court is thus likely to give Judge Sauls’ analysis of the evidence great deference. Importantly, the witnesses presented by the Gore legal team did not have sufficient knowledge of many facts relevant to their case,” stated Judicial Watch Chairman and General Counsel Larry Klayman. (Mr. Klayman was present in Judge Sauls court room during the trial.)

“I think both sides can agree, Judge Sauls handled this historic dispute with a demeanor that brings credit to the judiciary,” continued Mr. Klayman.

Judicial Watch was granted access to Palm Beach county’s ballots last week under Florida law and pursuant to a court order. Johnson Lambert & Co., a public accounting firm with expertise both in counting ballots and in detecting fraud, is helping oversee the Judicial Watch effort. A preliminary report of the firm’s analysis, reported by Robert Novak today, is available on Judicial Watch’s Internet site at www.judicialwatch.org. This report was also offered to the court for consideration.

“As this matter remains an issue of public controversy, Judicial Watch will continue to evaluate the disputed ballots in Florida. We are scheduled to inspect Broward County’s ballots on Thursday, December 7,” stated Judicial Watch President Tom Fitton.

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