Campaign flier sparks controversy in Carmel

A campaign flier for a candidate challenging four-term incumbent Carmel Mayor James Brainard in Tuesday’s primary election is getting a strong reaction. Political mailers from mayoral candidate John Accetturo feature a photo of Brainard next to four reviled political figures: Moammar Gadhafi, Saddam Hussein, Hugo Chavez and Rod Blagojevich. The caption reads, “It’s time for him to go, too.” Accetturo stood by the piece even though it puts Brainard in the same company as murderous dictators. “He’s been in office way too long just like the others on that mailer,” Accetturo said. Brainard’s campaign consultant, Allen Sutherland, said, “The piece speaks for itself and we have no further comment.”