Treasurer candidate calls suit intimidation

John Pierce, the Republican candidate for Allegheny County treasurer, claimed Wednesday that Democratic Treasurer John Weinstein is trying to muzzle Pierce's campaign with threats of a lawsuit.

Pierce, 30, a lawyer from Squirrel Hill, gave reporters a copy of a letter he received from attorney David J. Armstrong, who represents Weinstein, advising Pierce that he can expect to be sued if he attacks Weinstein with damaging statements that aren't true.

"This letter is an attempt by the political machine in this county to intimidate me into silence just as my campaign is gaining traction across the county," Pierce said during a Downtown news conference.

Calling the letter an "outrage" and an attack on his right to free speech, Pierce said that "the politics of fear and intimidation will not work on me."

"I have focused exclusively and will continue to focus exclusively on truthful, accurate arguments on the issues that matter to the voters of Allegheny County," he said.

Armstrong acknowledged sending the Aug. 27 letter. He said it was not an effort to stop Pierce from making truthful statements, but to notify him that he could be sued for defaming Weinstein.

In the letter, Armstrong accused Pierce of "making slanderous, libelous and defamatory statements" relating to Weinstein. Without referring to a specific action or comment, Armstrong wrote that false statements by Pierce were "craven and despicable defamations."

The letter also threatened to take Pierce before the Pennsylvania Disciplinary Board, alleging his actions were even more reprehensible because he is an attorney.

Asked what specific defamations were being claimed, Armstrong said that Pierce has falsely accused Weinstein of using the Treasurer's office and employees for personal and political activities and that Weinstein spent campaign funds for non-permitted purposes.

"I'm not trying to muzzle anyone," said Weinstein, 39. "I've come to the point where enough is enough. If he wants to continue to say things about me which he knows are false, he will be held accountable."

He claimed Pierce was running "a campaign that has no significant ability to raise money and he tries to get free publicity in any way he can."