It appears to be pretty much BS, but Rich does a fairly good analysis of the entire situation.
In my somewhat limited interactions with Cal, I generally like him. He’s a right wing nut, but a fairly smart guy who is at worst a true believer. I cannot speak for his longer term career because my contact has primarily been through blogging so I won’t make any sweeping statements, but he’s a guy who brings up issues regardless of whether they are comfortable for most folks.
I think Rich is right, Cal probably owes them an apology for an overstatement. Nothing to be too ashamed of there, I do it from time to time and hopefully apologize when it’s pointed out. However, like Rich, from what I can tell, Cal doesn’t hold blood feud grudges forever. He can be heated, but can discuss other issues later.
That said, that’s a pretty tough case to make for defamation.
The core of the complaint seems to be that Cal said the paper’s editorial board was in the pocket of the local GOP. While it’s legit to criticize the claim, that’s not a cause for defamation. It’s a figure of speech that anyone who engages in political discussion is likely to face. I’m in the pockets of people who hate each other much of the time. Who knew?
But you don’t sue over it. You criticize the claim or make an argument that is better reasoned. Or the Northwest Herald is going to be facing a whole lot of defamation suits whenever it writes a critical editorial.