By Miles Layton

GATESVILLE — More than 300 political signs from Dave Forsythe’s campaign for NC Senate have been stolen across multiple northeastern North Carolina counties, prompting reports to local law enforcement and the State Bureau of Investigation.

Forsythe is a candidate in the heated Republican primary for NC Senate, District 1, which includes Jerry Tillett, Jay Lane, and Cole Johnson.

The photo accompanying this story shows Forsythe replacing a missing sign in Gates County.

Forsythe said his campaign signs were taken from several counties, including Tyrrell, Pasquotank, Dare, Currituck, Gates and Camden — signs near and far that he placed himself.

“I haven’t been able to check the other counties yet but I have been told by supporters also Hertford, Northampton and Perquimans. When reporting to the various sheriffs offices, more than one noted they had noticed them disappearing,” Forsythe said. “I’ve reported it to the State Bureau of Investigation because it reaches across numerous counties.”

Forsythe said the losses represent a significant financial hit to his campaign.

“After discussing all the costs for travel, I say more than $1,000 — probably more than $2,500 overall — but won’t know for sure until I hear from the other counties,” he said.

With signs missing across a wide geographic area, Forsythe suggested that his campaign is being targeted and that the thefts were deliberate.

“Over 300 of my campaign signs have been taken down across the district,” Forsythe posted to social media. “This kind of underhanded conduct is exactly what is wrong with politics today. I trust that my supporters would not engage in this behavior, and I ask everyone to respect the property and speech of all candidates. I urge the other candidates in this race to make the same request of their supporters.”

Forsythe added, “This race should be about who has the experience and credibility to represent us in Raleigh. That some people would resort to these kinds of tactics is disappointing and hard to believe. I hope my opponents will call on their supporters to rise above this and reflect the character they wish to represent.”

As for this editor, 300 signs across several counties – that’s the largest sign theft I’ve ever seen in 30 years, so I’d have to say this is a coordinated effort, not the work of a few teens with too much time on their hands. 

And I’m sure other campaigns from political races have been stolen, too. I’ve seen that signs have been reported stolen from Laurie Buckhout’s campaign in the Republican Primary for Congress, District 1.

Under North Carolina law, stealing, defacing or unlawfully removing a lawfully placed political sign is a Class 3 misdemeanor, according to N.C.G.S. § 136-32(e). The offense can result in penalties of up to 20 days in jail and a fine of up to $200.

And I’ll say it plain — if you’re stealing signs, you’re a loser who’s easily manipulated and probably lives in a van down by the river. Get a job, get a life!

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