Bill Poovey of the Associated Press reports that David Kernell, the former student accused of hacking into Sarah Palin’s email account, has reason to be concerned about Palin’s appearance as a witness in his trial:
U.S. District Judge Thomas Phillips has denied a defense motion to have prospective jurors answer a questionnaire asking if they have strong political feelings about Palin. Kernell’s attorney, Wade Davies, cited Palin’s speaking slot at a tea party movement convention and frequent television appearances. She is hugely popular with conservatives.
Convictions on all four felony charges — identity theft, wire fraud, intentionally accessing Palin’s e-mail account without authorization and obstructing an FBI investigation — could send Kernell to prison for up to 50 years.
Read more in the Chattanooga Times Free Press.