State v. Smith (In re Blaine)

*1207{¶ 1} Adam Arnold, counsel for the defendant, has filed an affidavit with the clerk of this court pursuant to R.C. 2701.03 seeking to disqualify Judge Erik Blaine from sentencing the defendant in the above-referenced case.

{¶ 2} Mr. Arnold claims that Judge Blaine has used the case "for political gain and publicity." Primarily, Mr. Arnold alleges that Judge Blaine scheduled sentencing on the day that Mr. Arnold will be returning from previously scheduled, out-of-state holiday travel, which will not allow him to adequately prepare for the sentencing. The judge's refusal to continue the hearing,…