Nation IN BRIEF : FLORIDA : Judge Refuses to Quit Smith Rape Case

The judge presiding over the William Kennedy Smith rape case rejected prosecutors’ request that she step aside. The state of Florida had moved that Palm Beach County Circuit Judge Mary E. Lupo withdraw, saying she had demonstrated prejudice against the lead prosecutor and also had personal ties to another assistant state attorney. Lupo denied the motion without comment. Prosecutors are expected to try to take their arguments to a higher court. A 30-year-old woman has accused Smith of raping her during Easter weekend at the Kennedy family’s Palm Beach estate. His trial is scheduled to begin Jan. 13.