Fiedler-Davis Case and Chief Justice Bird

Disclosure of the tape-recorded meeting on Jan. 12 between Rep. Bobbi Fiedler and state Sen. Ed Davis’ campaign manager, Martha Zilm, has provided California voters with a rare insight into the more distasteful side of state politics.

Perhaps the most sordid aspect of this case is Fiedler’s proposal that Davis use his interest in the campaign to unseat Chief Justice Rose Elizabeth Bird as a cover or excuse to drop out of the Republican U.S. Senate primary in exchange for $100,000 (Times, Feb. 6).

As a lawyer, I have observed that Chief Justice Bird has fulfilled the duties and responsibilities of her office without concern about the personal political ramifications that might flow from her decisions.

It is ironic that her most vocal critics would seek to use her as a unwitting pawn in their game of big money, politics, and political intrigue.

I hope Rep. Fiedler and her aide get a fair trial. I would also hope that the chief justice will be fairly judged on her merits and not set up by her detractors as a cover-up of their own improper conduct.

MICHAEL McMAHON

Goleta