CHARLESTION, W.Va. (AP) - The Associated Press is asking the state Supreme Court to reconsider its ruling that declared a former justice's e-mails to a coal company executive were not subject to West Virginia's Freedom of Information Act.

The court ruled 4-1 in November that 13 private e-mails between former Justice Elliott "Spike" Maynard and Massey Energy chief Don Blankenship were not subject to release because they did not involve the public's business.

The e-mails were sent when Richmond, Va.-based Massey had cases either pending or headed to the high court.

November's ruling overturned a lower court's decision that five of the 13 e-mails should be released.

The AP filed its request for rehearing late Monday.

No immediate action was taken as the court is in recess until January.

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