Paul Supporter Sues Gingrich Campaign

(NewsCore) - A Florida supporter of Rep. Ron Paul's presidential campaign filed a lawsuit Friday against Newt Gingrich, his campaign and the former House speaker's security firm after his foot was fractured during a confrontation with Gingrich's staff outside a polling station.

The incident occurred during Florida's Republican primary on Tuesday in the Orlando suburb of Windermere, Fla.

According to the complaint, the plaintiff, Edward Dillard, brought a Ron Paul sign to his polling site, the Windermere Baptist Church, where Gingrich happened to be making an appearance.

Dillard claims a member of the former House speaker's team stomped on his sandal-clad feet when he refused to move out of the area where Gingrich was speaking.

"When Dillard didn't budge, that individual lifted his heeled shoe over Dillard's right foot and dug the back of it into his skin, twisting it side-to-side like he was stomping out a cigarette, causing a fracture to Dillard's right foot," the complaint reads.

"The individual who fractured Dillard's foot stated, 'Just block him!' and 'Everyone step on his toes!'" it continues.

Dillard is seeking damages of more than $75,000, according to the complaint filed in the US District Court for the Middle District of Florida.

His allegations against Gingrich, Newt 2012 and the security firm, Patriot Group International, include battery, assault, intentional infliction of emotional distress and negligent hiring.

Paul's campaign has called on Gingrich and his campaign to apologize to Dillard for the incident.

"They say the culture of an organization is a reflection of its top executive and today's deplorable behavior against Ron Paul supporter Eddie Dillard in Florida reflects very poorly on Congressman Gingrich," Jesse Benton, Paul's national campaign chairman, said in a statement about the incident. "I call on Congressman Gingrich to publicly apologize to Mr. Dillard."

Benton also asked the Gingrich campaign to "immediately" terminate the staffers directly involved in the incident.

"There is simply no excuse for the type of violent, boorish and abusive behavior demonstrated by Mr. Gingrich's campaign. We hope Mr. Gingrich understands this and takes the actions we recommend," he said.