The Associated Press' attempt to obtain Chief Justice Elliott "Spike" Maynard's e-mail, visitor logs and other state Supreme Court records has been delayed until June.



Kanawha County Circuit Judge Duke Bloom decided at a hearing today that he wants to determine if he has the authority to issue rulings affecting the state's highest court.

Bloom also questioned whether he should hear the case at all. He says a possible conflict might arise because the Supreme Court funds judicial salaries.

The AP filed the complaint after the high court denied a state Freedom of Information Act request for the records held by Maynard and other court officials. While the court released some records, it says Maynard's are exempt from the law.

The AP filed FOIA requests in January seeking any communication between Maynard and Massey Energy chief Don Blankenship. The information was sought as part of the AP's coverage of Maynard's July 2006 European vacation rendezvous with Blankenship. The coal company had several cases pending or headed toward the court at the time.

| Home | Eyewitness News Newsroom | Storm Team Weather | Eyewitness Sports | Schedules | Programs |

---

Send email to news@wchstv.com for information or comments concerning WCHS-TV Eyewitness News.

Copyright ©2008, WCHS-TV8. Portions are
Copyright 2008 Associated Press. All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or distributed.