Former Va. governor blasts former lawmaker over lawsuit

RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — Former Virginia Gov. Douglas Wilder is accusing former Del. Joseph Morrissey of filing a bogus lawsuit against him to gain publicity.

The Richmond Times-Dispatch reports that Wilder has filed a motion to dismiss Morrissey’s lawsuit and asked for a hearing to be scheduled.

Morrissey is seeking $1.45 million in damages from Wilder and his National Slavery Museum, saying they didn’t pay $130,000 in legal fees.

The suit stems from Morrissey’s representation of Wilder and the museum in a tax dispute with Fredericksburg. It also follows a complaint Wilder filed with the Virginia State Bar, alleging that Morrissey didn’t represent them competently or diligently.

Morrissey says that claim was false and alleges it was retaliation for his notification that he’d sue if the fees weren’t paid.

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Information from: Richmond Times-Dispatch, http://www.timesdispatch.com

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