Pubdate: Fri, 14 May 2004
Source: Orlando Sentinel (FL)
Copyright: 2004 Orlando Sentinel
Contact:  http://www.orlandosentinel.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/325
Author: Jill Barton, The Associated Press

LIMBAUGH'S ADS ADMONISH PROSECUTORS, FLORIDA PAPER

WEST PALM BEACH -- Rush Limbaugh attacked prosecutors who are investigating 
whether he illegally purchased prescription painkillers in full-page ads in 
two South Florida newspapers on Thursday.

In the ads, the conservative radio commentator renewed his accusations that 
the criminal investigation is politically motivated, and he accused one of 
the newspapers, The Palm Beach Post, of trying to discredit him to justify 
the investigation. The ads include a reprint of a favorable 600-word 
editorial from Sunday's edition of The Washington Times.

Limbaugh, who has not been charged with any crime, told his listeners 
Thursday that he bought the ads because "we just can't get our story out in 
the editorial pages of The Palm Beach Post." The other ad appeared in the 
South Florida Sun-Sentinel.

Post editor Edward Sears said Limbaugh has never responded personally to 
his reporters' requests for comment. The paper has received comments from 
Limbaugh's representatives and his attorney, Roy Black.

"The Post has accurately and responsibly reported on both Mr. Limbaugh's 
admitted prescription-drug abuse and the conflict between his lawyers and 
the State Attorney's Office," Sears said. "If he wants to get his story 
out, he's welcome to return our calls and talk to us."

State Attorney Barry Krischer, a Democrat, would not comment on the ads, 
but he has previously denied Limbaugh's allegation that he began the 
investigation for political reasons.

The criminal investigation against Limbaugh is on hold pending a decision 
from the 4th District Court of Appeal, which will rule whether Limbaugh's 
medical records can be released. Investigators seized the documents last 
fall, but they were sealed after Limbaugh's lawyers argued that the seizure 
violated his privacy rights.

Prosecutors say they need the records to determine whether Limbaugh 
illegally "doctor shopped" to obtain pain pills, visiting several doctors 
to receive duplicate prescriptions.

Limbaugh, who has avoided making any comment outside of his radio show, 
called the investigation "excessive" and took aim at the Post for a Sunday 
opinion piece.

The column said Limbaugh "excused the inexcusable" when discussing the 
photos of Iraqi prisoners being abused at the Abu Ghraib prison. In the May 
4 broadcast, he had compared the abuse to initiation into one university's 
secret society.

"This is no different than what happens at the Skull and Bones initiation," 
the column quoted Limbaugh as saying. "I'm talking about people having a 
good time. These people, you ever heard of emotional release? You heard of 
need to blow some steam off?"

Limbaugh said the comments were taken out of context.
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MAP posted-by: Keith Brilhart