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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Libertarian intends to sue Belo over debate exclusion
AUSTIN - October 3, 2006 - James Werner, Libertarian nominee for Governor of Texas, has announced that he intends to sue Belo Corp. over its decision to exclude him from its October 6 televised debate among governor candidates.
"I think it's obvious that Belo's decision is unethical and a disservice to Texas voters," said Werner. "My attorney has advised me that it is also illegal, and that I may sue for damages under the Texas Election
Code. If Belo goes ahead with this, it is essentially making a huge campaign contribution to my opponents."
Mr. Werner's counsel sent a letter to Belo and the Texas Association of Broadcasters (TAB) last Friday threatening a legal action for $4.6 million in damages should Belo proceed with the debate without including Werner. TAB's legal counsel, Charles Babcock, responded Monday that TAB "will not be participating" in the debate. Previously, TAB had announced it would fund the satellite distribution of the debate to Texas TV markets as well as radio.
On the other hand, Belo's Vice President and General Counsel, Russell Coleman, informed Mr. Werner's counsel that Belo intends to move forward with the debate with only four of the five candidates who are on the ballot, stating 'Because the gubernatorial debate is a news program, Belo is not required to include Mr. Werner in the broadcast.'"
Patrick Dixon, chair of the Libertarian Party of Texas, responded, "This is not just news coverage. Belo is creating a candidate forum event to give candidates valuable air time to speak directly to a wide range of Texas voters. Apparently the candidates will even be able to ask each other questions. By excluding Mr. Werner, they are promoting the other four candidates with this valuable campaign contribution."
In 1996, the Texas Ethics Commission issued an opinion that an exclusionary candidate forum is a "communication in support of those included because the exclusion of certain candidates lends the sponsor’s tacit support to those included as the candidates worthy of consideration by the audience."
The letter to Belo from Werner's counsel may be found on the left-hand menu bar of Werner's campaign web site:
http://www.werner4texas.com
Contact:
James Werner
877-295-7938
werner4texas@sbcglobal.net
Contact:
Patrick Dixon, Libertarian Party of Texas chair
512-771-3936
chair@lptexas.org
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