Delray Beach election: One candidate for mayor sues another for libel over mailers

DELRAY BEACH — Days before the city's election, mayoral candidate Tom Carney has taken one of his opponents to court, suing Ryan Boylston for slander and libel and demanding damages for allegations made in a mailer distributed to Delray Beach voters.

The lawsuit is an unusual move in local politics, where free-speech laws give candidates broad latitude to criticize their opponents and question their fitness for office. It is the latest turn in an accusation-filled campaign between the men, who are vying with former City Commission member Shirley Johnson in the Tuesday, March 19 election.

The winner, whether decided March 19 or in a runoff election, will replace Shelly Petrolia, who is leaving Delray Beach's top office after six years because of term limits.