Bradley addresses Senate committee

AUSTIN (KXAN) - Williamson County District Attorney John Bradley, the new chairman of the Texas Forensic Science Commission, addressed a key Senate committee this morning, his first public appearance since being named to head a commission embroiled in controversy.

As Williamson County's district attorney, Bradley is known as a tough law-and-order type. Gov. Rick Perry removed the existing chair and named Bradley to head the commission only days before the board was expected to review a controversial report on whether the science in the conviction of executed killer Cameron Willingham was questionable.

Speaking before the Senate Criminal Justice Committee on Tuesday, Bradley said he could be fair and impartial, be it the Willingham case or any other issue before the commission.

"It's not my job to defend any political party or political candidate," Bradley said. "I don't see myself as somebody's political pawn."

The Texas Democratic Party, however did not hesitate to criticize Bradley's testimony, saying Bradley already was calling for more secrecy than his predecessor.

“It’s obvious the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree when it comes to Rick Perry’s political appointees," said state party chair Boyd Ritchie. "Perry’s politically motivated cancellation of an essential review of Texas’ forensic science methods threatened the ability of our criminal justice system to work properly for Texans."

Sen. John Whitmire, the long-time chair of the Senate Criminal Justice Committee, underlined the importance of Bradley's selection.

"There is nothing more important than getting the right guy," Whitmire said. "We can't have this agency tainted by politics... It's my worst fear that there are folks in Harris County wrongfully serving prison sentences."

Sen. Rodney Ellis, who also serves on the committee, held a post-meeting press conference with Barry Scheck of the Innocence Commission, who defended Willingham. He emphasized that the commission's findings were important for all cases.

"It's not about the death penalty," Ellis said. "It's about the science of arson cases."