Kent County Republicans blame Democrats for break-in

[Dollface]

GRAND RAPIDS -- Kent County Republicans continue to claim a recent break-in at their Grand Rapids headquarters was politically motivated

And one party leader publicly blamed unnamed Democrats in a mass e-mail sent to supporters.

"We knew the Democrats would do anything to win, but we didn't expect this!" wrote Kent GOP Chair Dave Dishaw in a note asking for money to help cover "costs" and support candidates.

Grand Rapids Police on Tuesday confirmed they are investigating an early morning break-in that occurred last Thursday at the GOP's offices at 264 Leonard St. NW, near U.S. 131.


Lt. Ralph Mason said a report indicates thieves entered a side door and took about $200 from a cash box, a laptop computer and a large box of stamps. They also smashed computers, crumpled banners and took miscellaneous items, he said.

But Mason said because there was no graffiti, police have no reason to believe it was politically motivated.

"I don't know what they're basing that on. ... That may be a stretch," Mason said. "It was a burglary. They got a laptop, they got cash money. ... They obviously concentrated on things they can pawn or sell."

Kent County Republican Executive Director Sam Moore said he believes GOP offices were targeted because the intruders did not enter other businesses in the building and because they took odd items such as a gavel used by former Chairwoman Betsy DeVos.

Moore also said he received threatening phone calls two weeks ago when Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Barack Obama held a rally in Grand Rapids, though he did not report them to police.

"Based on what has happened in the past, I would find it somewhat hard to believe it's an unregistered voter, or person not interested in politics," Moore said.

Kent County Democratic Chair Sue Levy dismissed the notion that party activists could have been involved in criminal activity.

"We'll beat them at the polls," Levy said.

Levy believes GOP leaders are just using the "unfortunate" incident to raise money.

"(The e-mail Dishaw sent out) looked to me like a solicitation more than anything," she said.


http://blog.mlive.com/grpress/2008/06/gop_blames_democrats_for_break.html