Levin's Landmark Files Suit, Seeks Source of Rush Leaks

NewsMax ^ | 1/15/04 | Limbacher

[Tumbleweed_Connection]

Landmark Legal Foundation today filed a freedom of information request with the Palm Beach County State Attorney's Office (SAO) seeking any and all information of communications to or from the SAO or any of its employees and outside individuals or groups relating to Rush Limbaugh.

Mark R. Levin, President of Landmark, stated: "We want to know why Palm Beach County State Attorney Barry Krischer waited 10-months before investigating allegations against Rush Limbaugh -- only after stories appeared in the National Enquirer. We're concerned that once the story became public, Mr. Krischer, an elected prosecutor, may have been pressured to use extraordinary tactics and resources to punish Rush for his viewpoints."

Levin added: "As the details of this investigation have appeared in the media, they've become increasingly troubling. False news stories claimed Rush was being investigated for money laundering and for a role in a drug ring, among other things. And now, Mr. Krischer is pursuing Rush on a 'doctor shopping' theory, for which he has no evidence, which is why he seeks access to Rush's confidential medical records. 'Doctor shopping' was not a priority of Mr. Kirscher's office prior to now. His office only brought such charges in one previous case, which was eventually dropped after the subject of the investigation died. Even elected prosecutors must, at all times, be above political influence. Mr. Kirscher's judgment raises serious questions about the impartiality of his investigation."

Levin said further: "There also are numerous leaks coming from 'sources close to the probe' which are obviously intended to smear Rush. It is a felony in Florida to leak investigative information. Michael Edmondson, Mr. Krischer's spokesman, has been accused in open court and on television of being the source of some of these stories. Despite this 'journalist shopping,' Mr. Krischer has taken no steps to investigate and prevent these leaks. And Mr. Edmondson remains his trusted spokesman. Landmark will file suit against the SAO if it fails to produce the requested information."

Landmark Legal Foundation is a public interest law firm with offices in Herndon, VA and Kansas City, MO, and was founded in 1976.

[Faith]

Bump for Rush.

[basil]

I like Mark Levine. I hope he is successful with this. Of course, Rush has a pretty high powered lawyer working for him already. Anyway--it's good to see people stand up for Rush, because I sincerely believe he is being targeted because he is a conservative with a following.

[Republic]

Luv ya.

[daler]

I had been wondering for years (until now), why the left hadn't figured out a way to "get" Rush.

Persistence pays off, I guess.

Before we replay the "Rush brought it on himself" lecture, let's remember he hasn't been charged with anything, and has admitted to becoming addicted to painkillers as the result of being treated for PAIN.

[eyespysomething]

I'm glad someone is calling them to task for it.

[longtermmemmory]

He should also complain to the FL bar. Their investigation could force him out of office.

It can be argued that even if it was an underling who did bad, as an attorney he is ultimatly personally responsible.

[Humal]

"I sincerely believe he is being targeted because he is a conservative with a following."

I agree with this, and there is an election coming. He has caused liberals/Democrats trouble in past elections. I guess they are trying to neutralize his influence this time.

[dts32041]

Wondered when the Legal division of the EIB Institute was going to get involved.

[jellybean]

Despite this 'journalist shopping,' Mr. Krischer has taken no steps to investigate and prevent these leaks.

Hahahaha...

[tubebender]

Ping...

[SwatTeam]

Way to go, Mark! If I should ever have need of a lawyer I would certainly want someone with your intelligence and integrity in my corner. Good luck on this.

[Truth29]

Good luck, but filing a Freedom of Information Request is not filing a law suit. This is only the first step in an administrative process that can drag out for years with the law suit coming after the final denial of records under the administrative process. I don't know the Florida FOIA process, but if it is like the Federal FOIA process, we will be following this story intermittently for a very considerable time.

[SwatTeam]

Yeah, I know. But it is good to know that someone is attempting to get to the bottom of all the leaks and rumor mongering that is going on. Maybe just the act of filing will have some positives.