That's easily the most vile piece I've ever seen sent out in local politics. I'm constantly amazed at the amount of hatred that springs up at the thought of Madeline being Mayor.

The only thing more destructive than a good Republican is a Republican masquerading as a bad Democrat.

Grandma Bean used to say 'Lay down with dogs, get up with fleas.'

or,

You are known by the company you keep.

This, along with the other fliers from peoples Mail Boxes are a strategic ploy, and are being distributed by people that are trying for whatever reason to hurt the Padgett Campaign.

Thoughts?

Also interesting how it promises that Padgett will appoint a Republican as police chief -- and "It will be a man who knows how to run a large law enforcement department around here too."

I am one of the ones mentioned in the letter as supporting Rogero. I have been called some terrible things over the last 20+ years. Sometimes on this blog (which is one reason I stopped posting here). But, this is most hateful, vile political piece I've ever read. It's full of lies, from those who supposedly support Padgett (Haslams and Duncans) to blatant lies about Rogero supporters. Show me where any "Duncan" has endorsed either candidate. The "Haslams" have given money to both Padgett and Rogero.

'Ryan', just shut up with the Padgett spin. And, use your real name. I do. So do lots of others. I've read enough of your thousand or so comments supporting Padgett. You're for Padgett, which is fine. But, I've been involved in political campaigns for a long time. I've seen this type of mailing before from some people who are supporting Padgett. To claim this mailing is some ploy by Rogero to make Padgett look bad is ridiculous and makes you look stupid. I would suggest that you, as a Padgett supporter, would do well to leave this one alone.

Whether Padgett distances himself from this or not, the volume and tone of these anonymous mailings speaks to those who are attracted to his campaign and the extent to which some will go. I am disgusted by it. I expect that anyone who reads it will feel likewise. Plus, a lot of folks will associate these very personal attacks with Mark. Should he not win, they may poison the water for him in a future campaign.

I won't dignify the mailing by demonstrating the things said about me are lies. They are. For the life of me, I cannot understand how anyone can sit down and type out such things which are clearly designed to hurt people and their families, business and friends, fold those letters up, stuff them in an envelope and mail them.

I am certain of one thing. Whoever wrote them wouldn't say those things to my face.

Statement from Padgett:

(link...)

Calls it a "potential hate crime."

But, this is most hateful, vile political piece I've ever read.

Me too. I don't shock easily and my jaw was on the floor.

Whoever wrote them wouldn't say those things to my face.

Or anybody else's face either.

Since these came through the PO, is there any way to trace them?

The letters were stamped, not metered, so there's probably no way to trace them.

I checked out Mark's website when he first entered the campaign, found names there of folks who I could not and would not support even tho' many claim to be 'democrats'. I told Mark I could not support him for that reason. And many others here in our District told me they felt the same way. And then when he began to explain his 'positions' on TYP, the Hilltop Ridge plan ("they are trying to ram that down "OUR" throats", he did NOT represent our Party's positions, platform or agenda. So, I tried to only support Madeline behind the scenes.
So, it doesn't matter who wrote and put out this piece of trash. Maybe the intent was to divide this community like it has been divided for years. The person/people who wrote it are cowards, just dogs like you described, Betty.
And at the Beck Debate, the focus from Patterson and Hubert Smith was "how many times she raised taxes", how many times she was arrested, was she going to help unionize city employees, blah blah. I left early because she answered each one of these RUMORS brilliantly, and yet that was apparently the Agenda. I do respect and appreciate Mark's courage and dedication to running for public office. But this should be a lesson learned...here in Knox County politics is a vicious, dirty game and next time he should be aware of those out there who would want him to fail. And he should Learn who to trust.

Your headline is deceptive. You dont know who it is from.

I am sorry. That is too over the top to be considered real. My money says it is a Rogero supporter (or Rogero) trying to make Padget look bad.

Didn't get the hateful mail, but sure got a hateful look from a women I passed on the greenway behind Ivan's homestead. I was wearing my "Madeline Rogero for Mayor" Tee-shirt.

The letters were stamped, not metered, so there's probably no way to trace them

My first thought - that's a lot of stamps to lick. But now I realize - you don't have to send out many of these hate mailers. Just a few to some well connected citizens and they are all over the news. Does anyone know an "ordinary joe" with no political, civic or noteworthy business affiliations who got one?