ST. JOHNS CO. -- No one ever said politics is a friendly game, but a local commissioner learned campaigning can be downright hateful.
Ken Bryan is in his third campaign season for St. Johns County commissioner. The republican is running for reelection but says this go around things took a disappointing turn.
An attack ad on a locally organized blog says the commissioner speaks Ebonics. And that's not the only racially charged language in the mud slinging.
An email sent to families in St. Johns county called the commissioner a "common thug." Bryan says the email was posted on www.awfulpoliticians.com.
Bryan has a good idea who's behind the attack ads but there's no solid proof. And he says this is why people are so turned off by politics.
"It makes you understand why a lot of folks don't run for public offices, a lot of good folks. Once you do that you're exposing yourself to this kind of criticism and most of it and just about all of it is made up," said Bryan.
Still, Bryan says he'll keep fighting for votes and he'll do it with his head held high.
"I'm not going to respond to them. I'm not going to glorify them by even reacting to it because I'm above that. I'm going to take the high road."
Bryan faces two opponents in Tuesday's republican primary for commissioner of District 5.
