Kramerbooks in Dupont Circle. (The Post) Related Links Kramerbooks Vows to Stand Firm (Washington Post, May 29)

By John P. Martin
Washingtonpost.com Writer
Friday, May 29, 1998; 1:30 p.m.

Bill Kramer, co-owner of Kramerbooks, said he was inspired recently to continue his fight when he stood behind a woman at a computer store near his Dupont Circle shop.

"I’m going to pay for this in cash," the woman said as she reached the counter, according to Kramer. "I don’t want anybody to know what I buy."

Kramer recounted the story before reporters and cameras this morning to explain why his store decided to appeal independent counsel Kenneth Starr’s request for records of purchases by Monica Lewinsky.

"We are determined as ever to protect the principles of privacy and free expression," Kramer said, presenting the issue as a First Amendment case. He spoke in a corner of his bookstore, framed by a backdrop of stocked shelves and browsing customers.

Some applauded when he announced the store would seek a stay of U.S. District Judge Norma Holloway Johnson’s order while it prepares an appeal to the U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.

"We respectfully disagree with the court’s conclusion," Kramer said.

He was short on details, both of the sealed order released this week and the store’s plans beyond the appeal. He said the government must "exhaust other means to acquire this information in a way less burdensome to the First Amendment" but declined to suggest what those means might be.

The store’s legal fees are in the six-figure range, he said. He thanked supporters and contributors, including the American Booksellers Association, for backing the fight. He dismissed as "in the past" reports early in the case that said he was leaning toward complying, reports that prompted sidewalk pickets against such a stance.

Customers were "extremely upset" by the case, Kramer said, but he was unsure if the case has had any impact on business.

The store compiles basic business information relative to customer purchases, he said without being specific, and it has no plans to change its policies. He would not address how far the store and its owners would fight the request.

"We’re taking this one step at a time," said Kramer.

Lutz Kramer, who is no relation to the owner, was searching for a cybercafe to check his e-mail when he wandered into the bookstore. He’s a humanities professor from Rogue, Oregon, in town for a convention.

He was vaguely aware of the battle between the bookseller and prosecutor but his support leaned toward the former.

"This would cause me to think twice about the types of books I would be buying," the professor said.

Prosecutors from Independent Counsel Kenneth Starr’s office are seeking records relating to four purchases by Lewinsky after Nov. 1, 1995. They have argued that the records might help them define the nature of the relationship between the former White House intern and President Clinton.