Mystery client claims hiring detective to spy on Reno Mayor Hillary Schieve is "part of American politics"

The mystery client who hired a detective to secretly track Reno's mayor with a GPS device is trying to persuade Nevada's Supreme Court he has a First Amendment right to remain anonymous, a protected privilege he says is a cornerstone of democracy and part of "the business of politics."

The high court allowed lawyers representing "John Doe" to file the latest brief in the case - with his true name under seal - last week so as to keep his identity secret, at least for now.

Chief Justice Lidia Stiglich set additional filing deadlines into July as the justices consider an appeal the detective filed last month seeking to overturn a Washoe County judge's order that he name the person who hired him to keep tabs on Reno Mayor Hillary Schieve and a county commissioner before the November election.