More than just vandalism occurred in the Town of Clermont this week. Violence and physical harm were perpetrated in an abhorrent tactic used to deliberately slash and smash the election signs of Democrats in our town. Even more shocking when one considers that both Republican candidates are expressed Christians whose moral values would seemingly condemn this behavior. Who is responsible? It was not the Democrats! The slashing of the signs is a violent act of bullying that should be roundly condemned and prosecuted. The picture taken at the scene with the policeman indicates that we are seriously considering pressing charges against certain individuals that encourage this extremist behavior and threaten physical harm to property and person.

When will the Republicans condemn and stop this type of behavior? Apparently not this week in Clermont! We may look like a small quiet town but extremist live among us. Everyone must be aware of this. Especially when they go into the voting booth on Tuesday! Vote for the Democrats in Clermont. We condemn this intimidation tactic and election violence.

Have Republicans hypnotized their party members into thinking that this is a good thing to do?! Many other towns have seen signs stolen or pulled up. But this is an instance of a strong and deliberate arm slashing in anger. This was obviously done with a sharp implement. It meant to destroy property and was done on private property. Shameful!

I urge all the citizens of our county to join me in condemning this violent intimidation tactic and upholding the Constitution of the United States of America. It is clear that this type of election intimidation is not confined to Libya, Iraq or Pakistan but happens right here in our own back yards. Is this what our veterans fought for? So that an American in anger can bully and deliberately slash a sign during our supposed open and fair elections? I hope not. That is not what I want the members of my family who are in uniform to be there for!

Chris Nolan
Chair, Clermont Democratic Committee