by Reuters: Lawyers for Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, a Republican considering a 2024 presidential run, are asking that a federal judge be disqualified to oversee the dispute between DeSantis and The Walt Disney Company (DIS.N) should go, which raises questions about the impartiality of the judge in the matter.
Lawyers for DeSantis, who is suing Disney for allegedly targeting Disney for the political views of the company’s leadership, filed a motion Friday in Tallahassee, Florida, seeking to recuse US District Judge Mark Walker from the case .
Disney sued in April for allegedly “weaponizing” the state government in retaliation for the company’s criticism of a law that banned classroom discussion of sexuality and gender identity with young children.
Opponents dubbed the measure a “don’t say gay” law.
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The company alleged that DeSantis stoked the Republican-controlled legislature to strike back at “Walk Disney” and seize control of an administrative district created in 1967 that helped Disney develop theme parks and resorts. The district, originally known as the Reedy Creek Improvement District, was also named as a defendant.
DeSantis’ attorneys argued Friday that the judge overseeing that case demonstrated potential bias in his handling of separate cases in which the judge cited Disney as an example of state retaliation.
“Considering Walker’s statements,” DeSantis’ attorneys said in their motion, “the fairness of the court in this case can justifiably be called into question.”
DeSantis is expected to jump into the race for the Republican presidential nomination in the coming days and could potentially pose a tough challenge to front-runner Donald Trump. She is expected to challenge President Joe Biden, a Democrat, as the Republican nominee in November 2024.