And Mr. Scruggs has been dealt quite a set back tonight, with the fifth circuit’s decision in Leonard v. Nationwide.  Zach desperately tried to spin it, even giving Judge Senter a big old wet kiss, but the handwriting’s on the wall. 

“This ruling will have no effect on our remaining cases pending in Mississippi state and federal courts, because all of the damage in those cases was caused exclusively by wind before any water arrived,” Scruggs said. “We are disappointed that this particular appellate panel misinterpreted and misapplied established Mississippi law by reversing the well-reasoned ruling of Judge Senter, who has been a Mississippi State and federal court judge for over 40 years and is well versed in the issue of Mississippi insurance law.”

The Scruggs machine is starting to unravel.  Interesting how Dickie’s gone mum lately.  Busy preparing his criminal defense?

If I am Al Hopkins, I’d be really looking at this pretty hard.  This doesn’t pass the smell test and it certainly goes to a pattern of selling influence (remember Langston and the WorldCom deal and the AG’s defense of the Padnuship?).