Yard Sign Theft Won't Deter Area Candidate

This arrived a short time ago in my inbox. 

For immediate release.

 Corbett Says Massive Yard Sign Theft Won't Slow Campaign

 Cedar Rapids - Responding to the theft of hundreds of his campaign yard signs over the weekend, Cedar Rapids mayoral candidate, Ron Corbett, said today that his campaign will not be slowed or intimidated by this deliberate effort to hurt his candidacy.

"Yard signs use a lot of time and money in a campaign, that's why it's so disappointing to see that hundreds of our signs have been stolen from yards during the dark of night," said Corbett. "We don't know who did this, but our message is simple: this campaign will not be slowed by those who think they can prevent the voice of the people from being heard."

After dark friday, vandals took to the streets to remove Corbett for Mayor signs from yards all over town. The campaign estimates that between 200 and 300 signs were taken, about 1/3 of the posted signs.

"We are asking for people to keep an eye out for the signs so that we can recover them if possible. We are hoping that a business or homeowner will find them disposed of somewhere and if so, we may be able to salvage some of them," said Corbett.

Anyone who finds the signs are asked to call 319-573-5050 or visit the campaign Web site at www.RonCorbett.com to send a message.

"The most disappointing part of this is that for many citizens, hosting a yard sign or putting up yard signs is one of the ways people participate in the election process. It's too bad that vandals would want to take away this small part of democracy," concluded Corbett.

Paid for by Corbett for Mayor

So was it political skulduggery or teenage mischief, or both? Yard sign thefts happen every election season, but this looks like a biggie. Although these things are subject to inflation. Gasp. In politics?

The thieves - kids, cranks, elite political commandos, whoever - need to give the signs back.