Judge moves David Eastman eligibility case to Palmer, nixes trial by jury

Anchorage Superior Court Judge Jack McKenna has granted a request to move the upcoming legislative eligibility trial of Rep. David Eastman to Palmer, instead of Anchorage.

In an order issued Tuesday, he approved a request from Eastman attorney Joe Miller to move the trial in order to make it more convenient for witnesses. McKenna remains the judge in charge.

With a separate order issued the same day, McKenna rejected Eastman’s request for a jury trial, saying the issue of Eastman’s eligibility does not cover a financial matter. The order means McKenna, rather than a jury, will decide the case.