FRANK BERNHEISEL

Attorney General abuses his power

Dear [Attorney General} Cuccinelli,

The Virginia Supreme Court has ruled that your demand -- that the University of Virginia turn over documents pertaining to global warming studies to you -- exceeded your authority.

I view your demand of the University of Virginia as an abuse of the power of the office of the Attorney General. This was done not in any pursuit of the public interest but because you personally believe that the conclusions of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change report are, to quote you, "unreliable, unverifiable and doctored."

Your opinions are at odds with the large majority of climate scientists. The University of Virginia spent over $500,000 in the suit to fight your illegal demand that resulted in the Supreme Court decision. Given my understanding of the workings of the legal profession, I am sure that your office and the Commonwealth of Virginia spent an equal amount of money dealing with your demand and the resulting suit. This was a waste.

Given that no public interest was served by this effort, I suggest that you reimburse the Commonwealth for the expenses associated with your demand and the resulting suit. Also, I suggest that you reimburse the University of Virginia as well. Given the current limits on state funding to the University, I am sure they can find a productive use for the money.