Justices Deny Davis Appeal in Attack Ads Case

The California Supreme Court refused Wednesday to hear an appeal by Gov. Gray Davis’ reelection committee in a lawsuit seeking the identity of the financial supporters for TV commercials attacking the governor’s handling of the state energy crisis.

The suit alleged that the American Taxpayers Alliance -- the group behind the ads -- was operating a political campaign and should have to reveal details about its organization and financial support. A San Francisco Superior Court judge in September 2001 ordered the alliance to register as a financial committee and identify its donors, but a Court of Appeal overturned the ruling this September.

The Davis committee sought to have the state Supreme Court set aside that ruling, said James Harrison, a San Leandro attorney representing the committee.

In a statement, Davis called the Supreme Court decision “a sad day for democracy.”