WEST PALM BEACH, FL (WFLX) - Sparks flew Tuesday in a debate for Palm Beach County State Attorney.
It's the first time candidates faced off after allegations that Democrat Dave Aronberg used questionable tactics to sway public opinion against a rival.
In a debate, held by the Economic Forum of Palm Beach County, Aronberg faced attacks from his opponents over the allegations first reported by our news partners at the Palm Beach Post.
The Post reports Aronberg asked a former supporter to hire actors to stage a protest against then-State Attorney Michael McAuliffe. A claim Aronberg denies.
Rivals Dina Keever and Robert Gershman kept the heat on Tuesday. "Now, we learn that those same tactics that were used not only to eliminate an opponent, but to get rid of an incumbent," said Dina Keever, candidate for state attorney. "It doesn't matter what party. It happened. I'm here to tell you we've got to put an end to it."
"There is no question that he, with his democratic machine, forces people not to run," Robert Gershman, candidate for state attorney.
"When I was a state senator, I wrote and helped pass, it was my bill, the only anti-public corruption law that has passed the legislature in recent years," Dave Aronberg, candidate for state attorney defended. "It's the one that got tough on local government officials who violate the public's trust."
Aronberg did not directly address his opponents' claims during the debate.
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