Lobbyist linked by Times to McCain sues paper
By DENA POTTER
Associated Press
December 31, 2008
Page 2 of 2
Keith Werhan, a constitutional law professor at Tulane University, said key to Iseman's case will be how the court defines her -- as a public figure or a private figure. Public figures have to meet a higher standard of proof, and show malice by a news outlet.
Werhan also said the Times could be protected if it accurately quoted McCain's former aides about their perceptions of his relationship with Iseman.
"If all those statements are true, then it seems to me the Times is not at fault for reporting that," Werhan said.
"It's essentially hard to win a defamation suit," Werhan added. "The idea is the First Amendment has its thumb on the press' side of scales."
Iseman's lawsuit was first reported by Virginia Lawyers Weekly.
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Associated Press Writer Steve Szkotak contributed to this story.
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