State attorneys for Gov. Mike Easley want a lawsuit dismissed that accuses his administration of violating public records law when his staff destroyed e-mails.

The lawyers responded Tuesday to a lawsuit filed by several
media organizations.

Easley's attorneys argue that Wake County Superior Court lacks
jurisdiction over the case. The attorneys argue that under the
state's public records law, a judge can't grant relief beyond
requiring disclosure of a public record.

Easley's press office has been accused of telling cabinet agency
employees to delete or destroy e-mails sent to and from the
governor's office. That would be a violation of state law.

The administration has denied the claims.