To update my earlier post on the subject, it appears that the blogosphere's campaign in defense of a Maine blogger (whose criticism of the government earned him a lawsuit) is working:

In what can only be hailed as a major step forward in the efforts of the Media Bloggers Association to defend MBA Member Lance Dutson, State Rep Stephen Bowen (R-Rockport) called today for a full investigation into the management of both the Maine Office of Tourism (MOT) and the contractors it hires to produce tourism materials for the state. In addition, in a letter to state Economic and Community Development Commissioner Jack Cashman, Rep. Bowen called for the Maine Office of Tourism to suspend its contract with WKP, pending the results of the lawsuit.

The agency, Warren Kremer Paino Advertising (WKP) has filed a multi-million dollar lawsuit for defamation against Lance Dutson, a Maine blogger, for publishing criticism of agency and publishing an image of a sample ad prepared by the firm which contained a phone number directing callers to a phone sex line.

Unless the state takes steps immediately to distance itself from WKP's actions, it risks reinforcing its image as a state that is not only challenging to businesses generally, but which appears prepared to punish those that question its actions, Bowen said today.

Rep. Bowen contends further that fundamental rights are at issue here.

The blogger (Lance Dutson) has a copy of Rep. Bowen's press release here.

Nice work!

UPDATE: Bill Quick has some prescient observations about the officials who went after Lance Dutson:

These jackasses have managed to convince themselves they are our rulers, not our representatives, and are hence immune from criticism from "the commoners." They hate the blogosphere and will do anything in their power - which is considerable - to intimidate any blogger who crosses them. One has to wonder what they've been doing to non-bloggers without resources to publicize their evil, un-American actions in the past. I suspect the whole story is not a pretty one.

Still, the suit remains in force, so it behooves all of us to keep the pressure up. I'd also suggest it's about time to look at changing some of Maine's elected officials - especially those who, in one way or another, oversee the Department of Tourism. In the meantime, if you're planning a vacation this year, Maine might be a good place to avoid.