I think the Judge clearly realizes that he is wading in deep ethics waters. He comment about "websites" is revealing. Amazing what a little light can do isn't it?
Rats tend to scatter in daylight.
That said, my dad knows this guy really well (and despises him privately, and that's something 'cause my dad loves people).
I really don't think deep ethics waters would bother Judge Piersol. Like most rats he is morally "right" in his own mind. I tend to think he'd go with his sorry guts to sway this election.
I could be wrong, and I hope I am.