So, remember how two justices on the W. Va. Supreme Court have recused themselves from the Massey case? One was photographed frolicking on vacation with Massey CEO Don Blankenship on the French Riviera. The other has publicly criticized Blankenship. The latter fellow said that a third judge — Justice Brent Benjamin, who received $3.5 million in support from Don Blankenship in his 2004 election — should also recuse himself.

Well, Benjamin has offered an answer: screw you, I’m staying.

Help Grist raise $25,000 by September 30 to further advance our climate reporting

Again, for the record: Don Blankenship, the CEO of the company involved in the case, spent $3.5 million to get this guy elected to the court. But the guy says he can judge the case fairly.

It’s like one big happy family down there!