Nothing "protects legitimate whistle blowers" - unless they happen to be democrats or liberals. Whistle blowers who are conservatives DO NOT GET PROTECTED.
That's why this isn't a "free speech" issue - this is legitimizing SLANDER issue - and not being held accountable for false charges against a person.
In actuality, the general consensus is that the John Doe's in this case are "Conservative Republicans". Unfortunately, a large majority of "conservative republicans" in Delaware are anything but either.
I've been following this case for more than a year - I remain happy with this ruling.