Democrats Commend Attorney General's Lawsuit

Intro: Democratic attorney general candidates voiced approval of Attorney General Jay Nixon's lawsuit against Governor Blunt for destroying public e-mails, while a Republican candidate remains noncommittal. Rebecca Layne has more from Jefferson City. RunTime:0:46
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St. Louis County Representative Margaret Donnelly says Nixon's lawsuit is not politically motivated and Governor Blunt should face the consequences of his actions.

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Description: I think the governor's behavior has been really very disrespectful of the law and disrespectful of the people of the state of Missouri. He clearly knew that he was trying to hide information which should be public. The public is sick and tired of secret government, and Governor Blunt has a lot to answer for trying to keep his office shrouded in secrecy.

On the other side of the party line, Republican candidate, Senate Pro Tem Michael Gibbons, says the timing of the lawsuit raises questions of a political motive.

Reporting from Jefferson City, I'm Rebecca Layne.

Intro: A Democratic candidate for attorney general says political motives did not play a role in Attorney General Jay Nixon's decision to file a lawsuit against Governor Blunt, but one Republican candidate thinks otherwise. Rebecca Layne has more from Jefferson City.

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Republican candidate, Senate Pro Tem Michael Gibbons, says Blunt has been upfront about public documents.

He also says the timing of the lawsuit raises questions as to Nixon's political motives.

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Description: I mean I think the Governor has been clear that those things that are in the public domain are public records and should be handled as such and available to people. So I think, from what little I know about it, I think he's handled things well. I mean I'll take a look at this and see. It's just an interesting maneuver six months out from an election.

Democratic candidates Margaret Donnelly and Jeff Harris say Blunt's actions have undermined democracy and the idea of an open government.

Reporting from Jefferson City, I'm Rebecca Layne.

Intro: The recent lawsuit by Attorney General Jay Nixon against Governor Blunt has Democratic Representatives questioning the Governor. On the other side of the party line, a Republican candidate questions the motives of the lawsuit. Rebecca Layne has more from Jefferson City.

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The Democratic candidates for attorney general say the lawsuit is appropriate and necessary.

Democratic candidate, Senator Chris Koster, says the Governor's backup tapes of e-mails need to be turned over into evidence.

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Description: These lawsuits need to go forward, and the tapes should be turned over. This is starting to have shades of the Richard Nixon administration back in the 70s. We don't want to see the tapes destroyed. They need to turn in the evidence.

On the other hand, St. Louis County Republican candidate, Senate Pro Tem Michael Gibbons says he questions the timing of the lawsuit just months before the governor's election.

Reporting from Jefferson City, I'm Rebecca Layne.