Bobby Baker wins Supreme Court case, stays on PSC

Commissioner Robert “Bobby” Baker woke up to some good news today.

The state Supreme Court this morning upheld a lower court’s ruling in a dispute over Baker’s residence, allowing the chairman of the Public Service Commission to keep his spot.

In 2006, Roger Dozier — the opponent Baker bested in the 2004 Republican primary — and Eleanor McMannon filed a complaint alleging that Baker didn’t live in the Athens district he represents on the commission.

The court found that Baker does indeed reside in Clarke County. “None of Appellants’ evidence presented any facts inconsistent with Commissioner Baker’s evidence and sworn intention that his domicile is in Clarke County,” the court’s opinion says.

Had the court ruled otherwise, it could’ve been an odd time for the state. The five-member commission has a reputation for being a bit too cozy with the utilities whose rates and operations it oversees. When Commissioner Angela Speir announced last month that she would not be seeking re-election, the public-interest community cast their eyes nervously on those who would seek her place, as well as toward Baker, who is often mentioned in the same sentence as Speir as a champion for consumers.

The excellently written press release regarding the ruling after the jump: