Stipe faces a new test on mental capability

Gene Stipe

Stipe, 81, will be taken to Springfield, Mo., by family members today, defense attorney Clark Brewster said.

The former lawmaker was declared mentally incompetent last year and unable to face federal court proceedings tied to an attempt by prosecutors to revoke his probation in an election fraud case.

But Stipe appealed U.S. District Judge Ronald H. White's ruling requiring him to report to the prison hospital last fall for up to four months. Further delays have been linked to Stipe's medical problems.

Brewster said Stipe, who recently had surgery, had a medical checkup that went well on Wednesday and was ready to get the issue of his competency behind him.

White wants to see if treatment can restore Stipe's competency enough to continue with the probation case.

Brewster said Stipe's Missouri stay may not be long.

"The determination is to be made by the doctor there as to whether he feels like there will be any signs his competency can be regained,” he said.

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