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04.07.2009 9:54 am

Blunt loses appeal on executive privilege in Eckersley case

St. Louis Post-Dispatch
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JEFFERSON CITY — The Western District Court of Appeals agreed with a trial judge that Gov. Matt Blunt could not hide behind “executive privilege” in defense of the defamation and wrongful termination lawsuit of Scott Eckersley.

Eckersley is the former deputy counsel of Blunt who sued last January alleging he was defamed when Blunt staffers sent reporters a box of material and a letter describing his work performance. Eckersley had told the press that he believed he was fired for bringing to light possible violations of Sunshine Law.

Blunt argued to the trial court that he and his staff members were protected from lawsuit under the argument of “executive privilege.” The appeals court rejected the argument March 30.

Eckersley’s lawsuit continues in Jackson County.

7 comments

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So I had to read until the third paragraph to learn this ruling happened eight days ago. Why wasn’t this breathlessly reported sooner after the ruling?

— SallyD
10:07 am April 7th, 2009

The wet dream continues, eh, Tony?

This has gotten so ridiculous on both sides.

When will it just go away? Both of them … or will you allow it to?

— Jim (the republican)
10:35 am April 7th, 2009

I would hate to be named Blunt and running for any office.

— selwyn
11:33 am April 7th, 2009

Great report Tony!

Blunt’s day of reckoning is at hand.

Keep your chin up Scott Eckersly! You’ve got a lot of support out here.

Go get ‘em!!

— Clark James
2:17 pm April 7th, 2009

Hey Jim (R)…Tony didn’t issue the Appeals Court ruling.

Speaking of “wet dreams”… it will be interesting to read Blunt’s secret e-mails and private correspondence from his closest associates…

Sitting governors who don’t to seek re-election because they’ve accomplished the impossible….. makes inquisitive minds want to know the improbable.

— Garrison
2:35 pm April 7th, 2009

Jim, you’re gross. And ignorant to think this has been some fabricated waste of time. The only person guilty of being ridiculous here is Blunt. Thank goodness someone has the spine to hold him responsible for the disgusting crimes he’s committed against Eckersley, the papers, and the people. Thanks for keeping the heat on Tony.

— trip
4:23 pm April 7th, 2009

After the past few months of not being in office, I’ll bet Blunt is wishing he’d done things a bit differently. Getting caught up in gossip, lies, and bullish attacks on people in the workplace only leads to trouble. The amazing thing is that so many people are tempted to do this in state government, only to regret it later. Blunt has a few ex-staffers who were very close to getting sued for similar reasons, and they are still unable to find work after being let go. Managers who refuse to communicate with their staff, cultivate zealous and unnecessary hostile competition, act mean and hateful, and who tell lies around the office for purposes of intimidation - you reap what you sow. Word to the wise: be nice to those why try to help you, and listen to them. They may know who your own worst enemy is before you do.

— jcbell
8:21 pm April 8th, 2009