Appeals Court Sides With Cheney. (1 Viewer)

[Squawker]

May 10, 5:13 PM (ET)

By PETE YOST
WASHINGTON (AP) - Vice President Cheney doesn't have to disclose the advice his energy task force got from the industry, an appeals court ruled Tuesday in what probably was a final blow to a politically charged lawsuit over public access to White House decision making.
The task force met in 2001 and produced pro-industry recommendations for sweeping energy legislation now before Congress. The Bush administration fought hard to keep the panel's workings secret, arguing that public disclosure would make it difficult for any White House to solicit candid advice on important policy issues.
Once seen as a potentially huge political liability for the Bush administration, the task force lawsuit ended up being more Washington political theater, with cameo appearances by Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia and former Enron Corp. Chairman Ken Lay.
The two private groups that sued failed to establish that the government had a legal duty to produce documents detailing the White House's industry contacts, the court said in an 8-0 decision.

One decision I agree with. How can an administrator make good policies without asking for the advice of the people involved in the business. CEO’s should know every word they say, or the advise they give, isn’t going to be plastered on the tabloids the next day for political fodder.
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