No House 20 hopefuls immune to sign thievery

All three candidates for House 20 have reported thefts of political signs.

Within a few days of putting up about 15 signs two weeks ago, write-in candidate Harrison Thorp reported to Maine State Police that several signs had been stolen in Lebanon and Acton, where signs had been stolen from both ends of County Road.

In Lebanon, Thorp signs were stolen from the corner of Shapleigh and Dixon roads and the corner of Depot and Heath roads.

Candidate Karen Gerrish reported at least five signs stolen, including four from a single house on Jim Grant.

Candidate Bettie Harris-Howard also reported several thefts.

A handful of states can issue jail time for political signs thievery, but in Maine punishment is a stiff fine.

Gerrish, Harris-Howard and write-in candidate Thorp will face off in the Nov. 4 general election to decide who fills House 20, which includes Acton, Lebanon and part of Shapleigh.