JUSTICE BENJAMIN MAKES HIS STAND

(02/23/2008)
State Supreme Court Justice Brent Benjamin says he will not step aside in a case involving Massey Energy.

The case centers around a legal fight between Massey Energy and Wheeling Pittsburgh Steel, a lower court declared Massey was guilty of wrongdoing.

Chief Justice Spike Maynard has already recused himself in the case.

Benjamin's decision comes after fellow justice, Larry Starcher, called on Benjamin last week to disqualify himself from hearing Massey cases.

Massey CEO Don Blankenship contributed $3.5 million to help Benjamin get elected in 2004.

Starcher decided to step down in another case involving Massey.

Maynard stepped back from hearing Massey cases after pictures were published showing him and Blankenship together while on vacation in Monaco.