Vandals Destroy Family’s Political Signs

TULSA, OK -- As we get closer to the presidential election, we're seeing more and more political signs displayed in yards across the area.

Kim Taylor and her family already know who they want to see in the White House. Their yard proudly displays their support for Barack Obama. But, now the family says vandals are trying to take away their freedom of speech.

"The signs had not only been torn up. Some of them had 'antichrist' written on them and some other really ugly things written on them and they were put up on our doorstep," said Tulsa resident, Kim Taylor.

Kim says she has had to replace nearly a dozen political signs since August. She has even caught a man hanging around outside her home.

"We all know each other on this block. It was no one from around here. He was just on the block, you know, the corner, smoking a cigarette, watching our home intently," said Taylor.

That's when police got involved and now the family has a watch on their home. But, Kim says they're not backing down and the family's making their own signs with a message for the vandals.

One sign reads: Every time you violate the law by trespassing on my property, vandalizing my Obama signs, and violating my freedom of speech, I donate even more money to the Obama campaign and convince more voters to vote Obama/Biden.

It seems to be much of the same for supporters of John McCain. The Republican Party of Tulsa County takes at least five calls a day from people needing replacement signs.

"We've probably had at least 100 phone calls to our headquarters with people complaining that their signs were taken out of their yard," said chairman of the Republican Party of Tulsa County, Joy Mohorovicic. "Respect each other's opinions. While we may not agree on the issues, you know, people are still entitled to their opinion. We need to respect that."

Respect is all Kim wants too. She says no matter how many signs are destroyed, her family will keep replacing them. She says they aren't backing down because of their political stance.

"This is my property and this is my right to exercise my freedom of speech. And now I have a watch on my home. I'm feeling like I have a little more safety. So, I'm going to keep them up, no matter what."

If you're still trying to decide which candidate to support, NewsOn6.com is here to help! Our November 4 General Election Guide has a lot of information about the candidates. It will help you make an informed decision.