By Parker Leavitt
The Arizona Republic
Facebook has become the new battleground for negative campaigning in Gilbert’s increasingly heated mayoral race, with accusations and insults flying in advance of Tuesday’s primary election.
Mayor John Lewis and challenger Steve Berman have both accused the other of misleading voters, and the candidates have started using the popular social-media website to disseminate their versions of the truth.
A few of Lewis’ supporters have called Berman, who previously served as mayor for 10 years, a “fool,” a “loser” and a “narcissist” on Lewis’ campaign Facebook page. Berman, on the other hand, has said Lewis and his supporters are using “lies” and smear tactics in an attempt to stay in power.
“We will not be duped into reseating a fool,” writes Rich Davis, a Lewis supporter. That and other negative comments directed at Berman have been allowed to stand for more than a week.
Lewis said he is “not policing” the Facebook page and said no one from his campaign team has made negative comments about Berman.
Also:
Outside groups spend $500K in legislative races /Arizona Capitol Times/Subscription
