No political motivations to Eckersley case

Intro: Scott Eckersley's attorney denies any political motivations behind Eckersley's case against the governor's office.

Brandon Smith has more from Jefferson City.

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Steve Garner, attorney for Scott Eckersley, said they are pursuing a wrongful termination suit because Eckersley's reputation has been tarnished.

Actuality: GARNER1.WAV

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Description: The reason he came to see me was because he's a young professional that now has false information as far as his employment which hampers his ability to retain and gain future employment.

Garner said Eckersley was given no choice after the governor's office made claims Garner said are not true.

The governor's office had no immediate comment.

Reporting from the State Capitol, I'm Brandon Smith.

Intro: Scott Eckersley's attorney said Eckersley was fired for reasons totally separate from what the governor's office is saying.

Brandon Smith has more from the State Capitol.

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Steve Garner, Scott Eckersley's attorney, said the reasons the governor's office gave to justify Eckersley's firing are not true.

Actuality: GARNER2.WAV

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Description: The decision to fire him was made before they ever went in, locked him off his computer and tried to find a reason to fire him.

Eckersley said he was fired because he told the governor's office their emails were public record.

The governor's office had no immediate comment.

Reporting from the State Capitol, I'm Brandon Smith.

Intro: Scott Eckersley's attorney has hit back at claims his case against the governor's office is politically motivated.

Brandon Smith has more from Jefferson City.

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Steve Garner, Scott Eckersley's attorney, said he has no political interest in the case.

He said the claims from the governor's office that there are political forces behind the case are meant to distract from the case's substance.

Actuality: GARNER3.WAV

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Description: It appears to me the same tact that they're taking on Scott; if you can't attack the message, attack the messenger, so that's kind of old and it seems to be their playbook.

Garner said the sole purpose of the case is to win back the reputation of Scott Eckersley.

The governor's office had no immediate comment.

Reporting from the State Capitol, I'm Brandon Smith.

Intro: Scott Eckersley's attorney says the governor is getting bad information from his staff.

Brandon Smith has more from Jefferson City.

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Steve Garner, Scott Eckersley's attorney, does not believe the governor has all the facts when it comes to Scott Eckersley's case.

Actuality: GARNER4.WAV

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Description: I think he has been misinformed. I do not think the governor is intentionally trying to mislead the public. He didn't make these decisions about Scott Eckersley. To my knowledge, he's been told what happened by somebody that I think may have it wrong.

The governor's office had no immediate comment.

Reporting from the State Capitol, I'm Brandon Smith.