Scott Dailey's political signs vandalized

Sussex County Recorder of Deeds Scott Dailey awoke this past Sunday to discover that more than 30 of his political signs had been cut in half and destroyed the night of Aug. 20. He said the 4-foot-by-4-foot red and white signs cost $75 each.

“Two-thirds of those signs had only been put up for a day. Mine were the only ones vandalized,” he said. “This is my fourth election and I've never seen anything like this. The tone of these primary campaigns is shocking. I was not prepared for this type of election.”

Dailey, who lives near Lewes, is running against challenger Alexandra Reed Baker of Harbeson in the Sept. 13 Republican primary. He was first elected in 2010.

Delaware State Police at Troop 7 are investigating the crimes. Dailey said a few of the intersections where signs were vandalized had Delaware Department of Transportation cameras at them but most of the signs were in rural areas. “They are trying to pull off some footage and are also checking for fingerprints,” he said. “We are hoping for leads and tips.”

Dailey said he would replace the signs. “But how many more times will I have put them out?” he asked.

He said people can contact DSP or call him at 302-236-9116 with any information. He’s offering a $1,000 reward to anyone who provides information leading to an arrest. In addition, his opponent Reed Baker is also offering a $1,000 reward.