Yesterday I told you about a front-page article in the Washington Post about John Roberts’s listing on the “steering committee” of the Federalist Society. One of the people quoted in the story claims that his quote was used in a misleading manner.

The article states:

[M. Edward] Whelan, who has been a member of the Federalist Society but said he had no recollection of his own membership on the steering committee, said the society is tolerant of those who come to its meetings or serve on committees without paying dues.

“John Roberts probably realized pretty quickly he could take part in activities he wanted to” without being current on his dues, Whelan said.

These may seem like fine distinctions, but Roberts has insisted on them.

In a post at the Bench Memos blog, Whelan states:

The article quotes me as speculating that Roberts “probably realized pretty quickly he could take part in [Federalist Society] activities” without being a dues-paying member. For the record, I would like to clarify that I have absolutely no basis for any insights on this matter. The point I made to the reporter (in a conversation that I understood to be “on background”) was that the Federalist Society typically has a two-tier pricing system for its events — a lower price for members and a slightly higher price for non-members — and that speakers at its events are, as I understand it, typically admitted free. If I made the speculative comment that the article attributes to me, it was in a context that made clear to the reporter that I had no knowledge about anything related to Roberts’s membership or non-membership. It is misleading that the quote is used in a manner that might suggest otherwise.

Just, you know, for the record.