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The judge overseeing a gay former state official’s discrimination lawsuit against Gov. Terry Branstad and several aides is recusing himself.

Chief Judge Arthur Gamble says in a court order that he feels a conflict of interest has arisen and he must step aside from former Workers’ Compensation Commissioner Christopher Godfrey’s lawsuit.

Gamble says he has been consulting on an unrelated matter with two assistant attorneys general who recently have filed appearances in the case to defend the state. He says these consultations will continue during the case, and therefore recusal is appropriate.

Another court official is expected to assign a new judge. Gamble said in an email that he doesn’t believe his recusal will affect the timing of the trial, which Gamble recently said he wanted within a year.

Topics Lawsuits Legislation