Posted on Advocate.com January 21, 2011

Scalia, Thomas Accused of Conflict of Interest

By Advocate.com Editors

Two of the most conservative judges on the Supreme Court, Antonin Scalia (left) and Clarence Thomas, are being accused of a conflict of interest regarding their decision in the controversial Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission case.
A government watchdog group wants the Justice Department to investigate whether Scalia and Thomas acted improperly by not recusing themselves in the Citizens United case — the high court ruling allowed huge corporate payments to be directed toward political campaigns. In the wake of the decision, businesses poured money into campaigns, including Target donating money to an antigay Republican candidate in Minnesota.
The watchdog group said Scalia and Thomas attended meetings sponsored by Charles and David Koch, conservative billionaires who often donate to political causes. A Supreme Court spokeswoman said the justices attended Koch-related events but not private strategy meetings.