Long Beach councilman says Twitter election endorsement sent by fake account

In the latest election twist, Long Beach Councilman Daryl Supeaw says someone created a fake Twitter account in his name and sent a Tweet Friday night saying that he, along with the mayor and Councilwoman Stacy Mungo, had endorsed Eric Gray in the 2nd District race.

A spokesman for Mayor Robert Garcia said Saturday the mayor has not endorsed anyone in that race. Mungo, who represents the 5th district and is not up for reelection, could not immediately be reached Saturday for comment.

Supeaw, who represents the 4th District, said Saturday he notified City Manager Pat West of the situation and that city staff are investigating what happened. He did not want to comment further until that investigation tus up some information.

Gray has not retued messages seeking comment.

Jeaine Pearce, who is also seeking to represent the 2nd District along with Joen Gaica, sent an email alert about the Tweet with the subject line, “Eric Grey lies again (sic).”

The development is the latest after two controversial mailers were sent by Long Beach Citizens for Good Govement, an independent expenditure committee that has endorsed Wesley Tubow in the 8th district race and Joen Gaica in the 2nd District.

In March, five current and former elected officials denounced a campaign mailer — circulated in the 8th District where incumbent Al Austin is facing challenges from Tubow and Laurie Angel — which juxtaposed violent crime statistics with a faceless hooded figure.

The mailer was sent by Long Beach Citizens for Good Govement, and featured a photo of Tubow and a campaign statement – though Tubow said he had nothing to do with it.

The mailer involving Gray, sent this week by the same committee, alleged that Gray had defaulted on mortgage loan payments, and was therefore unfit for office. Earlier this week Gray blasted the mailer, saying he had only been late on a payment to his homeowners association.

More to come.

Staff writer Andrew Edwards contributed to this report.

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