Stevens' campaign signs torched

Few candidates go an entire campaign without having their campaign signs knocked down or stolen.

State Sen. Val Stevens found a couple of her signs destroyed by arson. She sent out photos. I've included one with her torched signs and the undamaged signs of other candidates, including Republican presidential candidate John McCain.

In a press release, Stevens said her husband discovered the ruined signs in southern Skagit County and filed a malicious mischief complaint with the Sheriff’s Department.

“This appears to be specifically directed at me because signs of other candidates in the same vicinity are being left alone,” she said in a prepared statement.

More from the statement:

Stevens called destruction of these signs, “not only vandalism but an infringement on the right of political free speech as well…

“Campaign signs help voters become more aware of the political process so they can make more intelligent choices when marking their ballots.”

“By burning my signs, those responsible for this vandalism are not only hurting my campaign, they are attacking the integrity of the election process itself.”

Stevens, a Republican, is seeking a fourth term in the 39th Legislative District.