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Blair Sues Hillsborough Commissioner Beckner

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By ADAM EMERSON | The Tampa Tribune

Published: March 11, 2009

TAMPA - Former County Commissioner Brian Blair filed a libel lawsuit today against the opponent who ousted him in the November election, saying lies spread in the campaign exposed him to hatred, contempt and ridicule.

In a complaint filed in Hillsborough Circuit Court, Blair said that Kevin Beckner "falsely accused him of self-dealing, taking action to harm women and children and supporting racism."

Blair says Beckner sent the messages through mailed campaign literature, which he includes in his lawsuit.

One mailer says that Blair "voted to spend $1 million of our tax money on his personal lake," a charge the former commissioner disputes. Blair has said the total was several hundred thousand dollars and that the money was used to clean a chain of lakes that included the lake near his home.

Beckner couldn't be reached immediately for comment. Blair says his opponent also made the following false statements:

•That Blair cut funding to shelters helping women and children;

•That he gave himself a pay raise;

•That he supported flying the Confederate flag;

•That he sponsored Robert E. Lee Day.

Reporter Adam Emerson can be reached at (813) 259-8285.

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