Zimmerman asks judge to step aside

SANFORD, Fla. -- The neighborhood watch volunteer accused of killing an unarmed teenager in Florida is asking a judge in the case to step down after she revealed a potential conflict of interest.

George Zimmerman's attorney, Mark O'Mara, filed the request yesterday in Seminole County Circuit Court. O'Mara said later that Circuit Judge Jessica Recksiedler revealed the potential conflict last week and that he wants the question to be addressed now rather than later if there ends up being a conflict.

Zimmerman has been charged with second-degree murder in Trayvon Martin's Feb. 26 death. Zimmerman is pleading not guilty, saying it was self-defense.

Recksiedler's potential conflict involves her husband, who works with Orlando attorney Mark NeJame. Zimmerman's family first approached NeJame about representing him. He declined and referred them to O'Mara.

Gov. Rick Scott, meanwhile, is rejecting any suggestions charges were filed in the case because of public pressure.

Scott, a Republican, said he doesn't believe special prosecutor Angela Corey was influenced by anything but the facts of the case. He said his focus is the same as hers, securing justice for Martin's family and due process for Zimmerman. -- AP