Casino Backer Says Ex-Mayor Hit Him : Measure A: Gambling issue blamed. Former Mayor John Sheehy says he’s too old to pick fights.

A special election to determine whether a casino will be built in the city is not until Oct. 22, but jabs are reportedly already flying.

South Gate police are investigating a complaint that a supporter of Measure A, which allows gambling, was struck by former South Gate Mayor John Sheehy, 77, who opposes the measure.

The supporter, Theodore L. Moore, 53, charged in a complaint that he and Sheehy got into a shouting match Wednesday over the measure at the South Gate Chamber of Commerce office.

Moore, who coincidentally had been in the hospital the day before because of chest pains, said Sheehy got so excited during the shouting match that the former mayor hit him in the chest with the back of his right hand.

Sheehy scoffed at the accusation.

“I’m almost 78 years old,” he said.

“You think I go around picking fights? I don’t think I could hold my own even with most children, the shape I’m in.”

Sheehy said that it was Moore who got excited, pointing his finger and shaking it up and down in Sheehy’s face.

Sheehy said their hands struck when Sheehy put up his hand and gestured at Moore in an effort to calm him down.

Police said a detective has been assigned to investigate the complaint. Moore could not be reached for comment.