LIMBAUGH REBUFFED BY STATE HIGH COURT

Its Refusal To Hear The Commentator's Appeal May Allow Prosecutors To Open
His Medical Records Seized In A Drug Inquiry

WEST PALM BEACH - The Florida Supreme Court on Thursday declined to
consider an appeal from radio commentator Rush Limbaugh claiming his
privacy was violated when his medical records were seized for an
investigation of whether he illegally purchased painkillers.

The 4-3 order was issued without explanation. The court said it would not
consider any motion for a review of the order.

Search warrants were used to obtain the medical records in 2003. The
documents have remain sealed, pending the outcome of the appeals.

A spokesman for Palm Beach County State Attorney Barry Krischer declined to
say when that office might begin reviewing the records.

Limbaugh took a break from his conservative afternoon talk show Thursday
for a doctor's appointment and did not comment on the ruling. "He has not
been charged with a crime, and he should not be charged. His medical
records will show he received legitimate medical treatment for legitimate
medical reasons," Limbaugh's attorney, Roy Black, said in a statement.

Prosecutors seized the records after learning Limbaugh received about 2,000
painkillers, prescribed by four doctors over six months, at a pharmacy near
his oceanfront mansion in Palm Beach.

Limbaugh has maintained his innocence while acknowledging he developed an
addiction to painkillers after he developed severe back pain. He took a
five-week leave from his show in 2003 to go through rehabilitation.

Limbaugh argues that the case threatens privacy rights for all Floridians,
a position that has drawn support from the American Civil Liberties Union.