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Conservative Think Tank Requests Michigan Emails

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A think tank in Michigan, that's backed by money from prominent conservative donors, has filed a public records request for emails from three Michigan state universities with labor studies departments. The Mackinac Center is looking for any emails related to the union battle in neighboring Wisconsin.

The request in Michigan comes just days after the Republican Party in Wisconsin filed a similar request for emails from a University of Wisconsin professor who had criticized the state's governor for his drive to weaken public employees unions.

Union supporters and the American Association of University Professors say the requests have a chilling effect on academic freedom. Supporters say this is a legitimate request under the Federal Freedom of Information Act. We have details and analysis from Evan McMorris Santoro, national correspondent for the political news website, Talking Points Memo.

This segment aired on March 30, 2011.

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