Wyoming U.S. House candidate Reid Rasner has sued a fifth person for defamation—this time in federal court, bringing his total case count to four separate lawsuits. Rasner is vying for the GOP nomination in a crowded field that also includes state Senate President Bo Biteman, former Superintendent of Public Instruction Jillian Balow, Secretary of State Chuck Gray and two Casper-based military veterans.
Rasner first sued former state Sen. Anthony Bouchard last July, saying Bouchard spread false claims that Rasner had committed sexual misconduct. That case was deemed viable enough to proceed to the evidence-swapping phase in November. In February, Rasner sued the man court documents call the source of Bouchard’s claim, former state Rep. Austin “Kit” Jennings. In March, he sued Bar Nunn Town Councilman Dan Sabrosky and Sabrosky’s ex-wife Michelle St. Louis.
On Thursday, Rasner filed a federal action against a fifth person, Michael Leonard Cooley Jr. of Iowa. Civil cases that involve amounts greater than $75,000 and residents of different states go to federal court. “Like many other prominent businessmen and politicians, Mr. Rasner has been the victim of individuals making hateful and untrue statements about him, aimed at defaming his character, stifling his political career, and harming his business interests,” the latest lawsuit states.
According to the complaint, Cooley posted multiple times on Rasner’s Facebook page beginning Feb. 1, calling him a “pedophile” and a “pedo creep” on several occasions. Because Rasner is a public figure, he must prove that the people defaming him either knew they were lying or recklessly disregarded the truth. The lawsuit seeks damages for defamation per se, tortious interference with contract and prospective economic advantage, and negligent and intentional infliction of emotional distress, plus punitive damages.
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