Judge: Hart Case ‘Truly Remarkable’

In his quixotic battle to not pay state and federal income taxes, a North Idaho state legislator was clobbered by a windmill Wednesday. Rep. Phil Hart (R-Athol) lost his bid to forestall the Idaho Tax Commission from coming after $53,523 in state income tax he owes. One day after hearing arguments, 1st District Court Judge John Mitchell tossed Hart’s case out on its ear. “Hart’s [motion] lacks any cogent legal argument as to why this Court has jurisdiction,”  Mitchell writes in a tart, 13-page ruling . (pdf) Indeed, Mitchell goes on to say, “Instead of providing legal argument, Hart makes the following circular, wholly unsupported claim that this Court simply assume it has jurisdiction … (emphasis Mitchell’s)” The judge was not amused, and called Hart’s claims “truly remarkable.” But he didn’t mean it in a good way/ Kevin Taylor , Inlander. More here.

• Also: Judge Mitchell dismisses Hart appeal /Alison Boggs, SR
  

Question: As the Riddler in the Batman movie would say, “Riddle me this …” How can Phil Hart be a member of the House Judiciary Committee and fail to file a tax appeal in a timely manner?