"I am profoundly disappointed that our final mediation attempt has failed," Hitchcock said in reference to the six separate sessions -- formal and informal -- held between the parties. The trial, to be held in the District of Columbia Superior Court, will begin after the general election in November. Pre-trial motions will begin October 20.

Hitchcock, director of the Committee's Gay and Lesbian Leadership Council until his termination, filed the suit against the DNC and a number of its officers in April 2007. Defendants include Party Chairman Howard Dean, Treasurer Andy Tobias and Deputy Finance Director Julie Tagen.

PageOneQ previously reported that Hitchcock rejected a settlement offer of $100,000 made in the mediation effort.

"Over the last 18 months, I have in good faith initiated multiple attempts to resolve this matter, including before this lawsuit was even filed," Hitchcock said. "I have always desired a resolution that was true to the facts and fair to both parties, as of today, that seems to not be possible and a trial is imminent."

The Democratic National Committee has a policy of not commenting on current litigation.

The letter from Hitchcock's lawyer to DNC Counsel Sandler follows...

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