The Nation - News from Oct. 31, 1986

A circuit judge in Orlando, Fla., refused to allow newspapers access to the medical records of Sen. Paula Hawkins (R-Fla.), and media attorneys promptly appealed. The Orlando Sentinel, the Miami Herald and the Florida Times-Union are seeking access to documents in Hawkins’ personal injury suit against Orlando television station WESH, where the senator was injured when a prop fell on her neck during a 1982 interview. Hawkins is seeking unspecified damages in the suit, which contends that she was permanently injured and her ability to work was impaired. But, during the campaign, Hawkins has insisted her health is fine and her back and neck problems are not an issue in the election. The media attorneys charge that she has been dishonest about her health either on the campaign trail or in the lawsuit. Hawkins is in a tight race against her Democratic challenger, Gov. Bob Graham.