Last Friday, lobbyist Mark Kelley filed a lawsuit against McClatchy Newspaper Incorporated, The Sun News, and reporter David Wren for articles the lobbyist says tarnished his reputation.
Kelley's attorney, James Stevens Jr., said his client is suing the newspaper because it printed several articles that accused or insinuated Kelley committed a crime.
Stevens said in the May 2010 articles, Wren reported Kelley was involved with giving campaign donations checks to then South Carolina Gubernatorial Candidate Gresham Barrett.
Giving donations for candidates' campaigns is illegal for lobbyists in South Carolina.
Stevens said the articles accuse Kelley of dishonesty and unethical conduct. Kelley is suing for Libel Per Se.
Kelley is seeking compensation for damages to his good name and his personal and business reputation.
He is also seeking restitution for shame, embarrassment and emotional distress.
The president and publisher of The Sun News, Pamela Browning, said the company is standing by its reporter and can not comment any further on pending litigation.
The Sun News published its own article about the suit in its Thursday edition.
