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(Richmond-AP) -- Democratic lawmakers have filed a lawsuit against several former prominent Republicans over eavesdropping on Democratic conference calls two years ago that led to the downfall of the state Republican Party executive director.

The suit was filed in U.S. District Court in Richmond. It lists as defendants former state GOP executive director Edmund Matricardi, former state party chairman Gary Thomson, former House of Delegates Speaker Vance Wilkins and former Wilkins aide Claudia Tucker.

The suit accuses the former GOP officials of "wanton, willful, reckless and malicious" behavior by listening to and recording the two conference calls during which Democrats discussed legal strategy over the Republicans' 2001 redistricting plan.

The plaintiffs include House Minority Leader Frank Hall and Senate Minority Leader Richard Saslaw. They seek unspecified statutory and punitive damages. Several other Democratic House and Senate members also are listed as plaintiffs.

The suit was filed three days before the two-year deadline for civil legal action in the case.

(Copyright 2004 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

Date published: 3/22/2004

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