GRAYSLAKE -- Every election season there's incidents of campaign sign vandalism - especially if a race is contentious. Apparently, the Republican House challenger Ken Idstein is annoying Democrat State Rep. Sam Yingling in the north suburban 62nd District. Vandals spray painted vulgar terms on Idstein's signs.
Idstein responded by condemning the illegal destruction of property committed against a senior citizen in Grayslake and called on his opponent to join him in putting an end to this behavior. Despite Yingling being the fourth openly gay legislator elected to the Illinois General Assembly, he did not respond to Idstein's call.
"These despicable attacks have no place in our community. I am running because the current political leaders have failed us. When we stand up to them, they unleash the vilest attacks. We won't be bullied. We won't be intimidated.
"My opponent has used $1.5 million from Speaker Madigan, the most money taken by any candidate, to send political attack mailers and divide our community. It is time we stand together as a community against the politically powerful. I call on my opponent, to cease with his extreme political attacks aimed at distracting from his record, and publicly condemn this illegal behavior. I'm going to Springfield to save our homes by ending this Chicago-style political culture, not bring it to Lake County."
Over the weekend, a yard sign on the private property of a Larry Leafblad, former County Board Member, was defaced with a slur written across it.
"This tactic is a gutter tactic. If this has become the norm, good luck. But I know it doesn't represent the values of our community. It just confirms the need to change the culture in politics and confirms that we need someone like Ken who has the character to stand up for what is right," said Larry Leafblad.
The 62nd House District includes parts of Avon, Fremont, Grant, Lake Villa, Warren and Wauconda.
