GOP Sues Michigan Paper, Charging 'Defamation'

[Newsjock]

Source: Editor & Publisher

A Michigan Republican official has filed a defamation suit against the Michigan Messenger, claiming a reporter for the Web site fabricated quotes from him on alleged GOP plans to stop Macomb County residents from voting.

“We stand by our story. We stand by our reporter. We knew that there was the possibility ,” CEO of the Center for Independent Media, David Bennahum, told E&P today.

In a Messenger story last month, party chairman James Carabelli was quoted saying that party volunteers would challenge residents on foreclosure lists attempting to vote on Election Day.

Michigan election rules allow for volunteers from each party to challenge a voter’s eligibility if there is reason to believe that the person is not a “true resident of the city or township,” the Messenger reported. GOP election challengers in Macomb County would make sure that people weren’t voting from those addresses, party chairman Carabelli reportedly said in a telephone interview with the Messenger.

Read more: http://www.editorandpublisher.com/eandp/news/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1003869763

[hobbit709]

1. Another repuke projecting again.

And aren't they against "frivolous" lawsuits?

[foxfeet]

2. That's like suing toilet paper for defaming an anus. n/t

[SemperEadem]

13. bwaaaaaa- haaaaaaaa- haaaaaa!!!! Good one!!!

[KamaAina]

3. What do they care? McCain/Palin is Bailin' on the Wolverine State anyway.

Michiganders to McLoser: Don't let the doorknob hit ya where the good Lord split ya!

[Blue State Bandit]

14. Obama requested charges be filed.

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2008/9/10/133747/482/241/593681">ALERT:Michigan Republicans Foreclosing Your Vote!

http://www.progressillinois.com/2008/09/17/obama-challenges-michigan-voter-caging">Obama Challenges Michigan Voter Caging

[Jax]

4. I love how they run from the 'republican' label now

with 'GOP" all the time.

Stand by the story, these tactics are obscene.

Alyce

[YDogg]

5. shooting the Messenger?

[liberal N proud]

6. Any journalist dare to report truth will be slammed by the right

and more specifically the McCain campaign. They will call anyone not pandering to them as liberal or practicing gotcha journalism or defamation.

All they would have to do is tell the god damned truth.

[scytherius]

7. GOP desperatin spreading

I don't think anyone thought they would go quietly into the night. The GOP, and conservatism, are dying. They are desperate on all levels. It will get worse and they will become more dangerous. We must be vigilant and never let our guards down.

[Democat]

8. I thought that Obama truth squads were hurting free speech?

Now it's ok to sue when someone allegedly lies about you?

What about what the GOP was saying just last week that lying is protected by the constitution?

Another GOP flip flop!

[meow2u3]

15. It's free speech when the GOP lies about the Dems

but it's grounds for defamation when the Dems throw the GOP's own lies back in their face. :puke:

[TexasLawyer]

9. The ACLU, PFAW, ABA, or some other group

with deeper pockets should defend this lawsuit. This is one of the ways that our 1st Amendment rights get crushed. It makes it risky to report news that is not issued by the newsmaker itself as a press release.

Hey, great story but we might get sued if we print it.

[damntexdem]

10. But the paper couldn't be guilty -- one can't be guilty of the impossible.

And defamation of GOP character is clearly impossible.

[Roland99]

11. Someone call 911! The GOP needs a wahmbulance, stat!

[LiberalFighter]

12. Does the Republican really want to go there? Likelihood reporter taped the conversation?

[Winterblues]

16. Is having a residence a prerequisite to voting?

I was under the impression any American citizen over the age of eighteen if not a felon could vote..If there is some question then that is what questionable ballots are for..Why should their residence even be brought up?