Vandalism racist, says Dem official

The head of the Boundary County Demo-crats claims damage to a Barack Obama campaign sign was racially motivated.

A black “N” was spray-painted over the “O” in Obama’s last name on the sign along Highway 2 between Three-Mile and the Sand Hill, said Linda Langness, chairwoman for the county party.

“To me, personally, it’s a racist message for whatever reason it was done,” Langness said. “It leaves it open for that interpretation. It’s not good for the county, it’s not good for Idaho and it’s not good for the local community.”

The local Democrats are offering a $100 reward for information leading to an arrest. The sign belongs to the party.

On Monday, Boundary County Sheriff’s Deputy Rich Stephens said he had no suspects. Stephens also discussed his thoughts on possible racial overtones.

“You can infer anything you want,” Stephens said. “You could say there’s a racial inference with the letter (N) and color (black). But you can also say (it meant) ‘NObama.’”

“I can understand the angle she’s (Langness) coming from,” he continued. “There’s nothing to say it’s a hate crime.”

While investigating the scene, Stephens noted it appears the suspect drove his vehicle from the highway, painted the sign and drove back on the road.”

The damage was reported Sunday, Langness said. Nearby campaign signs for three other candidates — a Republican and two Democrats — were not damaged. The Obama sign was posted on private property that belongs to the heirs of Marion Davidson, Langness said.

Langness noted that similar incidents have occurred in Idaho.

Anyone with information on the vandalism is asked to call Langness at 660-3847.