El Paso County Democrat and Republican leaders joined Tuesday to call for an end to political vandalism. Campaign signs have been stolen, cars have been keyed, and other personal property has been trashed during this emotional election season.

“Let’s be honest. People aren’t going to change their votes or their affiliations because they see a yard sign. They’re doing this out of emotion,” said Eli Bremer, chair of the county Republican Party. “It’s just unacceptable.”

Christy Le Lait, executive director of the county Democratic Party, said they’ve been getting three to five calls a day from locals who say they’ve had some sort of problem.

She’s heard stories of yard signs being ripped off or smashed, bumper stickers being keyed, and campaign magnets stolen off cars.

Bremer said he’s been getting similar calls, also every day.

And then there’s just old-fashioned harassment. Both Le Lait and Bremer said there have been plenty of reports on both sides of people being unnecessarily aggressive and disrespectful.

“It’s so much fun driving down the road with an Obama bumper sticker and having people scream at you,” said Le Lait. “That happens to a lot of people.”

Said Bremer, “Smile, talk about the issues, but don’t take a yard sign. If you see a sign on a corner, it’ll be down after the election.”

Le Lait said one womanhad an Obama bumper magnet stolen off her car twice.

Political vandalism doesn’t just hurt people, she said.

“It wastes a lot of money. Campaigns put a lot of money into their signs, and nobody profits from this,” Le Lait said.

Both Le Lait and Bremer said that anyone whose property is stolen or damaged can contact either the Colorado Springs Police Department or the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office.—Contact John Schroyer: 476-4825Twitter: @JohnschroyerFacebook: Gazette John Schroyer

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