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'Cowardice': Bunting Rips Mailing

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By RONNIE BLAIR

The Tampa Tribune

Published: August 23, 2008

HUDSON - The chairman of the Pasco County Republican Executive Committee is striking back after an anonymous campaign mailing brought up his nearly 50-year-old criminal record.

Bill Bunting said he thinks the mailing violated a state law prohibiting anonymous publications that expose persons to hatred, contempt or ridicule.

He said he plans to take legal action, but that won't happen until after Tuesday's primary, when he is on the ballot as a candidate for Republican state committeeman.

First Bunting must determine who created the mailing. Several Republicans have been vocal in criticizing him in recent months.

"It's the lowest form of cowardice not to put your name on it," Bunting said.

Bunting, 67, said the mailer makes it look as if his criminal convictions took place a few years ago, rather than 49 years ago when he was 18.

In 1959, Bunting was charged with criminal mischief, burglary and indecent exposure. The indecent exposure was because he was caught skinny-dipping, he said.

Dan Meahl, a state committeeman candidate running in the same precinct as Bunting, said he is among those who would like to see Bunting ousted as party chairman.

"I understand he's raised a lot of money for the party," Meahl said. "But he's ruthless."

Meahl, though, said he was not involved in the mailing.

Reporter Ronnie Blair can be reached at (813) 948-4218 or rblair@tampatrib.com.

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