Pro-Clinton vandals disparage Obama, McCain in Fla.

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

June 30, 2008

ORLANDO, Fla. - Police yesterday were investigating vandals' spray-painting of dozens of city vehicles here, some with disparaging messages about the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama.

Authorities think the vandalism to about 60 vehicles, estimated at $10,000 in damage, was done Saturday afternoon, police spokeswoman Sgt. Barbara Jones said.

The vehicles were parked across from City Hall and investigators said culprits tagged messages including "Obama smokes crack" and a racial epithet.

They even left business cards on the vehicles that disparage the Illinois senator and his rival, Republican John McCain.

The cards voice support for Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, Obama's former opponent.

Mike Lowe, a videographer working for The Associated Press, first told police about the damage. He saw three cars with anti-Obama messages, while the others were just heavily painted.

Police also found that many of the vehicles had open gas tanks.

Clinton won the Florida Democratic primary, but the contest was held early in violation of party rules. Party leaders initially said the state's delegates would not be seated as punishment, then eventually agreed to seat half of them at the national convention.

Clinton's supporters wanted the state's delegation fully restored. Instead, the compromise pushed Obama toward the nomination.

Obama took a break from campaigning yesterday, but will return to the campaign trail today with an appearance in Independence, Mo.