Ex-Counsel Says Mo. Governor Broke Law

A former deputy counsel for Missouri Gov. Matt Blunt has filed a lawsuit accusing the governor of violating the state Sunshine Law by destroying e-mails.

Scott Eckersley claims he was fired in September for opposing the destruction and advising Blunt and his staff that they were breaking the law, The Kansas City Star reported. Eckersley also names four current or former aides to the governor in the suit, which alleges defamation and violations of laws protecting whistleblowers.

Lowell Pearson, who recently became Blunt’s general counsel, called the suit political. Eckersley denied that.

This suit is about clearing my name, both personally and professionally, he said. That’s where my interests start and stop.

The governor’s office said Eckersley was dismissed for poor work habits, including lateness and doing outside legal work in the office.