U-R update

MILLEDGEVILLE, Ga. — A large red and white banner, as well as some campaign signs, were stolen from the front lawn of Democratic gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams regional campaign headquarters in downtown Milledgeville.

Now, police are looking for those responsible for the thefts, which were believed to have been committed sometime over the weekend.

Quentin T. Howell, an official with the Baldwin County Democratic Committee, said the theft had to have taken place sometime Saturday night or early Sunday.

“We held a get-out-the-vote rally at the Baldwin County Democratic Committee headquarters on Saturday,” Howell told The Union-Recorder.

The local political headquarters is located 101 E. McIntosh St.

The office also serves as Abrams’ middle Georgia campaign headquarters, as she seeks to make history in next Tuesday’s general election by becoming the first woman to ever be elected governor in Georgia.

Abrams, a tax lawyer and former state lawmaker, is in a hotly-contested battle with Republican gubernatorial nominee Brian Kemp, who also serves as Georgia’s Secretary of State. The latest polls show that the candidates are running neck and neck. 

Howell said he knew nothing about the thefts and some damage to the property until he was made aware of it Wednesday.

“That’s when I called police and had them make a report about these crimes,” Howell said.

The local political party official said someone stole the Baldwin County Democratic Party banner.

“It was valued at between $250 and $300,” Howell said.

He added that the thief or thieves also stole several campaign signs belonging to Abrams.

A metal frame, which held up the local political committee’s banner, also was damaged, Howell told police.

The frame was hanging down and bent when viewed by Milledgeville Police Officer D. Byrd.

Anyone with information about the theft of the signs or the damage to the frame that held up the banner should call the Milledgeville Police Department at 478-414-4000.