The Sun Escalates Feud With Md. Governor (sued over lost access)

[Rose Siding]

BALTIMORE Dec 3, 2004 — The Baltimore Sun Co. sued Gov. Robert Ehrlich on Friday, saying he violated the newspaper's First Amendment rights by ordering state press officers to stop speaking with two of its writers.

The lawsuit escalates a feud that has grown increasingly bitter in recent weeks.

Ehrlich has said his staff issued the Nov. 18 order after what he considered unfair reporting by statehouse bureau chief David Nitkin and columnist Michael Olesker. The governor said publicly that the move was "meant to have a chilling effect" on "two writers who have no credibility."

The paper, Maryland's largest and most influential, struck back Friday with a lawsuit that seeks to have the ban lifted. The suit argues that Ehrlich's order will have a chilling effect on free speech by the public in general, as well as reporters.

"The governor's action sets a dangerous precedent for all citizens," editor Timothy Franklin said in a letter to newspaper readers. "No governor, Republican or Democrat, should be allowed to pick and choose whom state employees speak to based on whether the governor approves of their views."

http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory?id=301765&CMP=OTC-RSSFeeds0312

[nickshepDEM]

1. I just hope

this doesnt somehow rally people to take up for and support Ehrlich. I can see the goofballs at my local Dunkin Donuts going crazy right now. With their little "WE LOVE OUR GOV" bumper stickers. The Dunkin Donuts on WISE AVE in DUNDALK should be Ehrlichs politcal headquarters. In place like Dundalk which is very Democratic you wouldnt believe the amount of PRO-EHRLICH people. Its unreal!

[struggle4progress]

2. kick

:kick: