Political committee allegedly sponsors false campaign ads: Defamation: Settlement

Law Reporter, Dec 2001

INTENTIONAL TORTS

Political committee allegedly sponsors false campaign ads: Defamation: Settlement.

Dicks v. National Republican Senatorial Comm., Fla., Hillsborough County 13th Jud. Cir. Ct., No. 96-7441, Feb. 8, 2001.

During a state senate campaign, the National Republican Senatorial Committee ran ads stating that Dicks, a candidate, was the subject of six securities investigations. Although six securities complaints had been filed against Dicks, none were pending at the time the ads ran. Dicks lost the election.

Dicks sued the committee, alleging defamation. Specifically, plaintiff claimed defendant sponsored the ads despite knowing the statements were not accurate, were misleading, and would damage plaintiff.

The parties settled at mediation for approximately $108,800.

Plaintiff's Counsel

*Thomas C. Chase, Fort Myers, Fla.

An asterisk (*) appearing beside the name of plaintiff's counsel indicates that the attorney is an ATLA member. To obtain additional information about a case report, contact counsel through your ATLA membership directory.