Prosecutor: Zimmerman judge shouldn't step down

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — The prosecutor in the Trayvon Martin shooting case says a motion by the defense asking the judge to disqualify himself is without merit.

Prosecutor Bernie de la Rionda was responding to the defense's motion filed last week. In his response Tuesday, he called the request "absurd on its face."

De la Rionda wrote that though the defense takes issue with language used by Judge Kenneth Lester in setting defendant George Zimmerman's second bond at $1 million, it doesn't create any predisposition about future rulings.

Defense attorney Mark O'Mara filed his motion because of what he contends were disparaging remarks Lester made about Zimmerman's character in his July 5 bond order.

Zimmerman bonded out the following day, and is hiding somewhere in Florida awaiting trial. He's pleaded not guilty to second-degree murder.