Politics & Government

Local Republican Lawmakers Harkey and Wyland Face Off in Lawsuit

State Assemblywoman Diane Harkey has sued State Sen. Mark Wyland over comments he allegedly made at a Tea Party gathering.

State Assemblywoman Diane Harkey is suing a fellow Republican lawmaker, State Sen. Mark Wyland, for defamation and emotional distress, the Los Angeles Times reports.


Harkey, a Republican from Dana Point, and Wyland, a Republican from Escondido, will compete next year for a seat on the state Board of Equalization.

The suit is over comments Wyland allegedly made about legal troubles facing Harkey and her husband during a July speech to a Tea Party group. The $5 million suit was filed Aug. 26 in Orange County Superior Court, the newspaper said.

Harley represents Dana Point, Laguna Niguel, Aliso Viejo, Mission Viejo and Rancho Santa Margarita, while Wyland's district includes San Clemente, Oceanside, Carlsbad and Encinitas.


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