Prosecuting campaign violence

During the run up to the November presidential election each week brought news of acts of vandalism and/or sabatoge against republican campaign headquarters or campaign workers nationwide.  These acts were matters of fact, not fictional urban myths.  Anyone reading about these things probably figured no one would ever be caught much less charged in these crimes.  Once the election cycle ended, taking with it the emotional partisanship, the question remained as to whether law enforcement would bother with any lasting investigation. 

But it appears as though Wisconsin is not going to let those responsible for the tire slashing of republican campaign workers' van used to get people to the polls.  5 democratic activists working for the Kerry campaign, including the sons of a first term congresswoman and Milwaukee's former acting mayor, were charged with "criminal damge to property", a felony which carries a maximum penalty of 3 1/2 years in prison and a $10,000 fine. 

Maybe, just maybe, we are entering into a period of zero tolerance for those who try to mess with the elections.  In East St. Louis, Illinois, a grand jury was convened to investigate vote fraud in that city.  Now Wisconsin is stepping forward, not being cowed by those with political connections.  Let's see if the same actions hold true in other parts of the country where campaigns headquarters were attacked. 

Comments

[Stephen]

The Trib finally noticed the tire slashing north of the border today, too.

[personal injury lawyer bay area]

Violence do happen everywhere and anywhere and it's sad to know that violence and crime rates nowadays are getting higher and getting worse. We must always keep that in mind that whenever we feel that we are violated by all means, we must always talk to someone that will understand us more, not just a friend or a loved one but might as well talk to someone who can give us legal advises and will assure us that we are in good hands. Do not just sit down, cry and keep it all to yourself. If you think that you are abused and violated, speak up and have the justice that you truly deserve.

[Alecia Longsworth]

Election times can be marred with violence. In other countries, political killings become frequent in a bid to stay in power. Let's hope nothing harsh like that happens come November 6th.

[Tracy Pierre]

Campaign week can get pretty serious when properties are put on the line. Vandalism and sabotage also counts negatively for all camps because aside from being illegal, tactics like these can affect voter trust and opinion.