1 min read

CONCORD, N.H. (AP) — A former campaign volunteer for a New Hampshire House candidate says a bogus email he sent announcing another candidate was dropping out of the race is protected free speech.

The Concord Monitor reports 28-year-old Carl Gibson recently filed a motion to dismiss charges he suppressed voter turnout and falsified a document.

Gibson is accused of sending a hoax email from Yvonne Dean-Bailey to newspapers in May saying she was dropping out of the race for an open seat. Dean- Bailey eventually beat her Democratic challenger in the May 19 election. Gibson previously volunteered for her opponent, but was booted from the campaign.

Gibson previously told the newspaper he “probably had one too many beers” before sending the email.

A hearing on the motion is set for Thursday.



Comments are not available on this story. Read more about why we allow commenting on some stories and not on others.