LAS VEGAS (AP) - A suspended Nevada state judge lost a bid in federal court to halt state Commission on Judicial Discipline hearings that could force her to give up her elected position.

U.S. District Judge Robert Jones ruled Wednesday there was no reason to issue an emergency order to halt hearings that began Monday and are due to run through Friday in Las Vegas.

But Jones also set an Aug. 14 date for Clark County District Court Judge Elizabeth Halverson to argue for a preliminary injunction to stop any more commission moves against her.

Halverson claims she's being denied due process, and that negative publicity about her hearings this week are ruining any chance for her to win next Tuesday's primary and re-election in November.

The 50-year-old Halverson is accused of creating a hostile work environment, falling asleep on the bench, improperly communicating
with jurors and mishandling trials.

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