In a ruling that has reignited the debate over electoral transparency, Carson District Judge James Russell dismissed an election lawsuit brought by Reno resident and businessman Robert Beadles, declaring it “without merit” and preventing subsequent refiling.
Russell’s dismissal was not limited to the case’s lack of merit; it extended to Beadle’s request for a change of venue, with Russell emphasizing his unfamiliarity with the involved parties and deeming Carson City more convenient for the defendants. Beadles, who sought to move the case outside of Washoe County, also requested the removal of Washoe County Registrar of Voters Jamie Rodriguez, County Manager Eric Brown, and Commission Chair Alexis Hill, who were all present in the courtroom.
Beadles alleged that county officials failed to address his election complaints under Nevada law and advocated for a switch to paper ballots, citing concerns about the integrity of the electronic voting system. However, the hearing took an unexpected turn when Judge Russell questioned Beadles about legal assistance in drafting the lawsuit.
While initially complimenting Beadles on the thorough presentation, Russell accused him of using “smoke and mirrors,” prompting objections from Beadles. The District Attorney countered Beadles’ claims, asserting that he was engaged in “performative litigation” with baseless allegations that undermined the democratic process.
Although Judge Russell rejected the Washoe District Attorney’s Office’s motion to sanction Beadles, he did order him to pay the county’s attorney fees. This move was grounded in a Nevada statute designed to deter “frivolous or vexatious claims” that strain judicial resources and hinder the timely resolution of meritorious claims.
Undeterred by the ruling, Beadles spoke to the Nevada Globe, stating, “The fight is far from over, and I am far from done.”
He accused Russell of showing contempt for his and the people’s rights and expressed his intention to appeal to the Supreme Court. Beadles claimed to have court orders the defendants violated, insisting that the courtroom proceedings were scripted and lacked justice.
It isn’t the first time Russell has faced controversy in election-related cases. In 2020, he dismissed an election integrity case brought by former President Donald Trump, drawing criticism for allegedly failing to review evidence of election fraud after having it for less than 24 hours.
Later, Washoe County County Manager Eric Brown admitted to flaws in the county’s election processes, saying the election system needed a “massive overhaul” and that they needed to “take it down to the studs and start over.”
The dismissal of election fraud concerns raised during the 2020 general election, as presented in court by Trump’s attorney Jesse Binnall, came up during the brief court trial. Binnall claimed hard evidence of fraudulent voting, including multiple ballots sent to a single address. Russell dismissed the challenge just 24 hours after the hearing, despite sworn testimony and penalty of perjury.
Russell does not understand the math and is too proud to admit it. Further, he is a part of the Communist club holding the Constitutional Republic hostage. Thank goodness for the day he retires, which will be in January 2024.
The Old Blog in the Desert 