Torey’s run-off opponent livid about political mail calling her a “prostitute”

Broward County School Board hopeful Torey Alston is denying that he had anything to do with a political mailing that described a female candidate in the race as a “prostitute.” But a report by the black-owned Westside Gazette newspaper uncovered information that suggests the attack piece might be linked to one of Torey’s supporters.

The mailing reached voters shortly before the August 14 primary. It called the frontrunner in the race, local minister Rosalind Osgood, a “prostitute.” It also had a picture of her that was digitally altered to make it look as if she standing behind prison bars.

 “I received calls from many people, from over 20 pastors to Congressman Alcee Hastings upset that someone would stoop to  this level,” Osgood said.

An investigation by the Westside Gazette found that: “The printer and mail house that produced the mail provided information that the order was placed by a Lauderhill resident named Omar Terrell. Mr. Terrell would not reply to several requests for comment. However, Mr. Terrell’s background revealed that he was a student at Florida A&M University (FAMU). While at FAMU, Omar and Corey Alston, brother of school board candidate Torey Alston, shared personal fraternal relationships.  Although the Alston campaign has publicly vehemently disavowed having anything to do with the mail piece, many voters feel the connection is just too close.”

Osgood, a Democrat, has long been the local favorite in the nonpartisan race for the Broward County School Board District 5 seat. She received the endorsement of the Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel for the August 14 primary. Osgood received 47.65 percent of the vote in the primary to Torey’s 28.89 percent.

Torey, a Republican, is now in a run-off against Osgood. Osgood also picked up the Sun-Sentinel’s endorsement for the general election.