Joe Collins gets his day in court against Maxine Waters.

A state appellate court has reinstated a libel and slander lawsuit against Congresswoman Maxine Waters by a former Republican opponent. The three-justice panel unanimously ruled a judge erred when she granted a motion by Waters to dismiss the lawsuit brought against her by plaintiff Joe E. Collins III, who ran against her in the 2020 election. Collins alleged the 84-year-old Democrat’s campaign materials and radio commercials falsely stated that the Navy veteran was dishonorably discharged. Collins said he served honorably for 13 1/2 years in the Navy, receiving decorations and commendations and left the Navy under honorable conditions. Collin’s attorney Donna Bullock says they’re pleased with the appellate court ruling and the fact the justices believed that Waters had crossed the line between free speech and defamation. Bullock said that Waters or anyone else could have gone online and paid $25 to find out a veteran’s discharge status. The case is now headed for trial.