Judge Cebull: 'Resign'

There is no place for a federal judge who uses racist, divisive language.

Today, I called for Chief U.S. District Judge Richard Cebull to resign.

In a letter I sent to Judge Cebull this afternoon, I wrote: "you flagrantly violated the Judicial Code of Conduct, and I am urging you to resign from your position on the federal District Court for Montana effective immediately." [To read the letter, click HERE.]

On Feb. 20, 2012, Cebull distributed to his friends and associates an email that likened biracial relationships to bestiality and joked that President Obama's mother had sex with a dog. Further, he forwarded the disturbing e-mail from his court-issued account at taxpayers' expense.

As a former magistrate judge and trial lawyer, and now as a member of the House Judiciary Committee, I have a Constitutional responsibility to oversee the administration of the courts and protect the integrity of the judiciary.

Judge Cebull's actions not only impugned his impartiality, but undermined the integrity of the entire federal judicial system. There is no place for a federal judge who promotes racist and divisive language. It is an affront to the district judges of Montana, and to every other member of the judiciary throughout America when a chief federal district court judge cheapens the office by distributing racially offensive statements.

The public can no longer be assured that Judge Cebull's judgment is not biased by racist sentiments.

Therefore, he should resign from his office immediately.