Blunt attorney wants e-mail lawsuit dismissed

JEFFERSON CITY — An attorney representing Gov. Matt Blunt against a lawsuit over access to his office's e-mail records is urging a state trial judge to dismiss the case.

The lawsuit is being pursued by a bipartisan team of lawyers selected by Cole County Judge Richard Callahan. The suit was initially filed by special investigators selected by Democratic Attorney General Jay Nixon.

Former Missouri Supreme Court Judge John Holstein, who represents the Republican governor, said Wednesday that the lawsuit doesn't offer evidence for many of its allegations.

Joe Maxwell, a former Democratic lieutenant governor, is handling the suit. Maxwell argued that he and Republican attorney Louis Leonatti had tried to "depoliticize'' the lawsuit by using vaguer terms. Maxwell said they would be more specific if requested.