TACOMA — Democratic state Rep. Larry Seaquist filed a lawsuit against his Republican challenger this week, saying she made libelous claims against him in campaign ads.
Seaquist filed the suit against Michelle Caldier on Monday, The News Tribune of Tacoma reported.
The suit alleges that Caldier’s campaign photo-shopped an image of Seaquist to make it appear he was holding a camera in an ad that claimed he was caught secretly taking photos of Caldier.
Seaquist says he did take two cellphone photos of Caldier’s convertible on a Bremerton street after a joint event because “it’s a really cool car.”
Caldier confronted Seaquist about the photos at the time, and filed a report with the Bremerton Police Department a week later, alleging harassment. A police officer wrote in the report that he told Caldier that Seaquist did not commit a crime.
However, Caldier’s campaign cites that same police report as the source for its statements that Seaquist was caught secretly photographing her.
Seaquist is seeking damages to compensate him for his loss of reputation and for “infliction of mental and emotional distress,” as well as attorney fees.
“She’s gone so far beyond the facts, we think we need to have a jury look at this,” said Anthony Otto, a Port Orchard lawyer representing Seaquist. “She’s totally untethered at this point in terms of reality.”
Caldier calls Seaquist’s suit frivolous and said she felt threatened and intimidated by his actions.
“I will not be bullied, and will stand firm with others who have been victims of similar harassment and intimidation by those in positions of authority and public power,” Caldier said in a written statement.
Seaquist is seeking re-election to the 26th Legislative District, which includes Gig Harbor, the Key Peninsula, Port Orchard and Bremerton.