Rep. Phil English (R-PA 3rd) sued by opponent for defamation!!!

[hopein08]

http://www.sharonherald.com/local/local_story_293211147.html">Porter files suit against English

A few quick snips...

Dr. Steven Porter, the Democratic candidate for the 3rd Congressional District seat, is suing Republican incumbent Rep. Phil English for defamation.

“I want to clear my name, set the record straight about my views and restore my credibility in my community and in the academic community at large,” he said. “I would also like to stop Phil English and all other politicians of his ilk from continuing to do this to the American electoral process. It’s a disgrace to our democracy.”

Moore explained all of English’s campaign ads are approved by an outside, independent legal counsel who reviews all the documentation and signs off on them before they go on the air.

Dr. G. Terry Madonna, a noted expert on state and national politics, said it’s “virtually unheard of” for a candidate to file a lawsuit against another candidate, particularly over an issue that applies to the First Amendment. In fact, he couldn’t recall a similar suit being filed.

I don't know about all of you, but I think what Dr. Porter is doing here in my district is awesome! Some people say that he's just trying to get free media. And perhaps that is true. But really, why the hell not? The DNC and the DCCC don't seem to be giving Porter a dime. And English rode in on Newt's wave in 1994 with a promise not to run for more then six terms...which, if you do the math, he's already breaking.

So what do you all think? If you'd like more background or details, just let me know.

[tulsakatz]

1. I think it's a great idea!!!

If Republicans think their opponent might sue them, they might not be so willing to issue misleading statements!!

We all know Republicans value money above all else (above integrity, family, religion, etc) so if they think their lies might cost them.......it could lead to a change in how they campaign.

[havocmom]

3. Absolutely! There is a difference between free speech and defamation

If they defame, sue the bastards to point it out!

There also seems to be a BIG difference regarding free speech depending on your party affiliation. If you don't think so, try going on TV and suggesting things Ann Coulter has suggested be done to liberals to be done to Republicans! Expect visitors in suits at your door if you say the things some RWingers say.

[yellerpup]

2. Good for Dr. Porter!

Hope this works. If it does, it would surely cut down on swiftboating.

[napi21]

4. I think it's great, but I don't think it will work.

I can't recall exactly what the law is, butthere IS some statute that deals with public figures, and they can't sue for name calling and distorted statements. As far as I know, politicians fall into that category.

[hopein08]

6. That seems to be the general idea of experts around here...

Even Porter's lawyer admitted that the the 1st Amendment gives its broadest scope to political statements. But the local political science experts at the local universities all say that it will probably work best as free media. Porter also acknowledged that no decision will be made before election day but he's going to stick with it.

[Dr.Phool]

5. Look for a county Repuke Party Chairman in Florida

To get his ass sued on Monday.

[hopein08]

7. Why? What's going on? n/t

[hopein08]

8. ADDITION TO MY O.P. (editing period is passed)....

The ads in question all refer to a book that Dr. Porter wrote in 1991 for an ethics class he was teaching in New York. He included different topics and essays which he says were specifically meant for class discussion and not as a gauge of his personal and political viewpoints. English is running ads on how Porter wants to legalize prostitution, use federal money to give drugs to addicts (along with legalizing marijuana, I think), and give unemployment pay to out of work illegal immigrants...among other things.

So, I think this may help to better explain Porter's argument of defamation, i.e. that English isn't even bothering to find out Porter's true stance on those issues.