Congressman Asks That "Intercept" Conviction Be Overturned

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The attorney for a Washington State congressman asked a federal appeals court to toss out a ruling that he broke federal law more than a decade ago by giving reporters a transcript of an “illegal intercept” of a telephone conversation between then speaker Newt Gingrich and Republican colleagues. Rep. Jim McDermott claims the decision will have a “chilling effect” on free speech. A former Gingrich lieutenant who filed the suit said that was precisely the idea. 18 news organizations have backed McDermott. (11/17/05)