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75 °F Forecast | Road Cams Friday, September 3, 2004 Today's News | Classifieds | Autos | Homes | Jobs | Tempo | Health | Community | Home Delivery SECTIONS Home Page Local News Sports Business Obituaries Life Opinion - Politics Tempo AP News Weather Classified Archives Site Map SPECIAL SECTIONS Since We Asked Outdoor Journal Prime Times Wellness Connection Readers' Choice Real Estate Showcase Joy Magazine Homelife Magazine Wedding Guide Rogue Valley's Finest EXTRA Newspaper in Education Personals Movie Times TV Times E The People MARKETPLACE Find a Car Find a Home Find a Job Classifieds Place an ad eSouthernOregon Automotive Communities Entertainment Publications Recreation Calendar CUSTOMER SERVICE Frequent Questions Advertising Information Home Delivery Employment Contact Us Media Kit Network Affiliate Oregon Road Conditions & Cams Email Story to a Friend September 1, 2004 Maggie Thompson says signs supporting the Kerry/Edwards campaign have been stolen from the front porch and lawn of her home on Black Oak Drive. Local Democratic Party officials estimate that more than 100 signs have been stolen from east Medford lawns. Mail Tribune / Bob Pennell Kerry signs become MIA East Medford neighbors lose more than 100 By DAMIAN MANN Mail Tribune Political signs supporting Sen. John Kerry are being snatched from east Medford lawns faster than homeowners can replace them. "They took every single sign down," said Mari Morsell, Democratic regional coordinator for Medford who lives in the neighborhood. "The only one we could find was in somebody’s window. Some that were nailed to the house were even taken down." Morsell estimates that more than 100 political signs supporting the Democratic presidential contender were stolen in what she believes was a coordinated effort Thursday night in the old east Medford area. Since she discovered the theft of signs, which are handed out for a $1.50 donation, Morsell brings her own inside at night for safekeeping. Another east Medford resident, Maggie Thompson, has replaced eight signs taken from three different locations in her front yard. "They actually took one off the porch," she said. Advertisement Thompson became so fed up that she finally called police Monday to report the loss. "Their first suggestion is to put up no trespassing signs," she said. Medford police said the reported theft of signs is under investigation and suggested homeowners be sure the signs are not placed in public rights of way. Thompson’s neighbor, Joani Scarborough, had two signs plucked from her yard Thursday. "We just thought it was kids who’d taken it," she said. "I hope it’s not a continuing problem." Scarborough said the Democratic headquarters for Jackson County gave her a larger and more durable sign that is attached to a fence on Black Oak Drive near Hillcrest Road. Marlyn Mason, who also lives in an east Medford neighborhood, said three signs were taken from her street, and she has noticed many more missing during her walks or when she goes for a drive. She doesn’t believe the signs were taken by children. "I think it’s Republicans, but not all Republicans because some of my friends are Republicans," said Mason. "But there is an element out there that is very mean-spirited." In Ashland, however, resident Ryan Lipe blamed liberals for stealing 13 Bush/Cheney signs from his yard in the past six weeks. Lipe, who ordered his signs from the Internet, wrote in an e-mail sent to the Mail Tribune, "Unfortunately, our town, and much of our country, has been overtaken by a number of liberal radicals that lack the ability to exude decency and respect for others." Bryan Platt, chairman of the Jackson County Republican Central Committee, said he had heard of only one report of Bush/Cheney signs taken recently. He pointed out that there aren’t many locally, however, because the Bush/Cheney campaign has selected Sept. 11 as the big day for putting up signs. "Frankly, it’s frustrating for us," he said. "We’ve been raring to go." Platt said the campaign believes it will have more of a psychological impact to put up all the signs at one time. He said some Bush/Cheney signs should start appearing toward the end of the week, coinciding with President Bush’s acceptance speech at the Republican National Convention Thursday. Bush/Cheney signs are available on the Internet, and Platt said some local residents have put up signs from the Cheney rally held in Central Point recently. To get a sign Political signs for presidential and local candidates are available from the Republican and Democratic campaign headquarters. For information on Democratic signs, call 858-1050 or visit the headquarters at East Main Street and Central Avenue. For Republican signs, call 494-1103 or visit the headquarters at 25 N. Holly St. Reach reporter Damian Mann at 776-4476, or e-mail [email protected] Mail Tribune Home Local News | Sports | Business | Obituaries | Life Opinion - Politics | AP News | Archives | Site Map E Southern Oregon | Classified Copyright © 1997-2004 Mail Tribune. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions Website Feedback ADVERTISERS A D V E R T I S E R S SPECIAL SECTIONS Auto Finder Job Finder Home Finder Joy Magazine Homelife Magazine Tempo Readers' Choice Real Estate Showcase Since We Asked Outdoor Journal Moving to Southern Oregon? Volunteer Opportunities