District 30 race pits two fighting negative battles
WEST PALM BEACH — Michael Steinger says Democratic state Rep. Bobby Powell wants to store “secret” chemicals underground, supports a “bait-and-switch budget” and is back-slapping pals with Republican Gov. Rick Scott.
Powell says Steinger, his lawyer opponent in the state Senate District 30 Democratic primary, lives in a $10 million waterfront mansion, drives a $121,000 vehicle and is a “rich guy trying to buy elections.”
Such are the election slams from speeches, television ads, billboards, mailed fliers and advertisements hooked on voter’s doorknobs in what has become one of the nastiest races on Tuesday’s ballot in Palm Beach County.
“(Steinger’s) allegations are all based on fallacies and exaggerations. His campaign is an act of desperation,” said Powell, 34, a West Palm Beach resident who is an urban planner with West Palm Beach-based Urban Design Kilday Studios.
Steinger, 46, a personal injury attorney who lives in Palm Beach Gardens, says helping his clients gives him a unique perspective on the needs of Palm Beach County residents. His West Palm Beach-based law firm, Steinger, Iscoe & Greene, employs about 150 people.
“Yes, I live in a $10 million waterfront home. I drive a $120,000 Mercedes-Benz. I have been successful. But I was brought up with a single mom, ate school lunches