Sore loser: Brian Blair sues man who defeated him, Kevin Beckner, for libel
March 12, 2009 at 6:13 am by Wayne GarciaOK, let’s start with a bit of media law: It is almost impossible to libel a public official, thanks to the protection of the First Amendment and Times v. Sullivan. Anyone who wants to win such a lawsuit not only has to prove he/she was defamed but that it was done with actual malice or reckless disregard of the facts. It is a very high hurdle to jump.
That’s why former Hillsborough County Commissioner Brian Blair’s lawsuit against Kevin Beckner, who beat him in 2008 at the polls, reeks of sore loser rather than a principled stand for the truth.
The St. Petersburg Times reports:
Blair argues that Beckner leveled false allegations of self-dealing and racism that exposed him to “hatred, contempt” and “ridicule,” on his way to election victory.
“This wasn’t negative campaigning. It was false campaigning,” Blair said during a news conference to announce the suit. “My children have come home from school crying from some of the things that were said.”
Blair said he wants to restore his reputation and be compensated for lost wages and earning potential.
Earning potential??
As for Beckner, he isn’t taking it lying down.
“If Brian Blair’s looking for someone to sue, he should sue himself,” Beckner said. “He defamed his own character and integrity when he consistently voted for special interests and self interests instead of the interests of the people of Hillsborough County.”
March 12th, 2009 at 9:03 am
Blair needs little assistance in being an a**.
March 12th, 2009 at 10:43 am
Brian Blair is a fucking asshole.
Grow a dick you worthless chump.