Judges May Delay Recall To Replace Punch Card Ballots

In what appears to be the last major legal challenge to the recall, the panel heard nearly two hours of arguments before taking the case under submission. The panel did not say when a ruling would be issued, but lawyers said outside court that they expect a decision early next week.

U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals Judge Harry Pregerson noted during the hearing that the California secretary of state had found the punch-card system unacceptable because of errors.

"So we have to accept the unacceptable, is that what you're saying?" Pregerson asked lawyers representing the state.

EL Prediction - A delay. Judges hate being told to accept something that the state acknowledges is wrong.