A first extraordinary report on today's Libby hearing

Though a decision on bail pending appeal is not expected until later this afternoon, the AP has this early report on the Lewis "Scooter" Libby sentencing/bail hearing today in Judge Reggie Walton's courtroom.  Here are some quite notable highlights:

A federal judge showed no sign that he would delay I. Lewis "Scooter" Libby's prison term in the CIA leak case Thursday — even as he reported getting threatening letters and phone calls after sentencing the former White House aide. "I received a number of angry, harassing, mean-spirited phone calls and letters," U.S. District Judge Reggie B. Walton said. "Some of those were wishing bad things on me and my family." 

Walton made the remarks as he opened a hearing into whether to delay Libby's 2 1/2-year sentence while the former White House aide appeals.  Walton heard arguments on the request and was scheduled to continue them Thursday afternoon....

The judge also was not persuaded by 12 prominent law professors who filed a legal brief supporting Libby's request for a delay. "The submission was not something I would expect from a first-year in law school," Walton said.  "It was submitted for the sole purpose of throwing their names out there."

Libby's newly formed appellate team — Lawrence S. Robbins and Mark Stancil — are standing by. If Libby loses Thursday, they will ask an appeals court for an emergency order delaying the sentence.  Libby's supporters have called for President Bush wipe away Libby's convictions.