SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) -Chatham County commissioner candidate files lawsuit over campaign flyers
A contentious Chatham County commissioner’s race has sparked a civil lawsuit after one candidate said his opponent distributed flyers claiming he has a criminal history.
Joe Welch and his attorney filed a civil lawsuit May 14 against Brian Hussey and David Simons, Hussey’s campaign manager. The lawsuit says the Hussey campaign knowingly posted and distributed false information about Welch to the 4th District.
Hussey defeated Welch in the primary Tuesday May 19, winning the 4th District commissioner’s seat with nearly 60% of the vote.
Claims of false statements
The lawsuit says Hussey and Simons published a poster with malicious, misleading lies to damage Welch’s personal and business reputation. The flyers list what Simons’ political advertisement says is Welch’s criminal history, including battery and domestic abuse.
Welch and his attorney say what was published on the flyer were police reports and Welch has never been charged. He says he has no criminal history.
The lawsuit claims the Hussey campaign acted with malice and knowingly made false statements.
“I can’t imagine a local election, somebody just stooping that low,” Welch said. “It doesn’t make sense.”
Charlotte Welch, his wife and campaign manager, said she can’t help but think the flyer had something to do with the results.
“This was just reckless and irresponsible behavior to the voters of the fourth district,” she said. “I mean, he sent out false information.”
Community impact
Welch said what bothers him is what happened before the race even began.
“When you get a phone call in November, I hear you’re going to run. Yes, I am. I hope we can run a clean campaign,” Welch said. “That’s what Mr. Hussey called to ask me.”
Welch said he and Hussey shared a lot of things in common before the campaign, but not anymore.
“Being a Benedictine brother in the Catholic community, there’s a code we have, you don’t attack one another, and I’ve gotten tons of support from Benedictine alumni who are very upset,” Welch said. “And it upset me that Brian would go that low to do this.”
Welch said the situation has affected relationships in the community.
“Touched a lot of people in a big way to where I’ve gained a lot of support,” he said. “And he has lost a lot of friendship in our Catholic community, in our Irish community. I can assure you that.”
Welch said what he wants from the civil suit is a retraction of the lies his opponent has spread about him. He said he is not done and will run again.
Hussey said he will provide a statement after consulting with his lawyer. Simons has not replied to requests for comment.
See complaint below:
