'Hurt U.S. Congress' a sign of political times

PROVIDED BY HURT FOR U.S. CONGRESS Reports on the Internet suggest that Republican Robert Hurt is far ahead of his opponent, incumbent Rep. Tom Perriello, a Democrat, in the effort to cover the 5th Congressional District of Virginia with their signs as the U.S. House campaign comes to a close after next week.

By Stephen Dinan

The Washington Times

8:57 p.m., Thursday, October 21, 2010

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The campaign signs plastered across Virginia's 5th Congressional District have become a minor cult phenomenon: "Hurt U.S. Congress," they say.

The red, white and blue posters advertise the candidacy of Republican Robert Hurt, a state senator looking to win south-central Virginia's House seat. But to a broader group of fans, the signs imply a promise of things to come in the "tea party"-fueled "Year of the Angry Voter" - a seething backlash against the political body Mark Twain described as composed of "the smallest minds and the selfishest souls."

"I think the idea of hurting them by taking away their power is the perfect idea. If you want to do something that really hurts," said Jerry Douglas, who was so taken by the signs that he posted a photo of one to the Internet. "To me, that sign says that. It says, this is what they care about. Power and ability to control our actions. They have hurt us over the last two years, and now is our chance to hurt them."

Even the French have taken notice. In an article titled "La route du Tea Party," French newspaper Le Monde this week said the sign perfectly captures what's different about this year's elections. The writer said it was a "un usage brillant de son patronym" - roughly, a brilliant use of his surname.

Reports on the Internet suggest that Mr. Hurt is trouncing his opponent, incumbent Rep. Tom Perriello, a Democrat, in the battle to dot the 5th District with their signs. Hurt campaign officials say they've heard of the signs being posted well beyond the district's boundaries.

"It does reflect a tremendous enthusiasm for this election," Mr. Hurt said. "A lot of the folks we talk to don't know that there's a candidate involved in the sign; they just think it's a good idea."

The sign has spawned discussions, both online and in person. One blogger edited his own version of the sign to read: "Hurt U.S. Congress Please!" On another discussion board, a commenter said that it "would be fitting" for Mr. Hurt to take a seat once held by former Rep. L.F. Payne - whose name sounds like "pain," as the commenter helpfully pointed out.

TJ's Backyard, a satire blog in Charlottesville, Va., posted a spoof story about the signs, saying the Homeland Security Department was planning to investigate thousands of residents "for placing threatening signs in their yards."

Former Clinton political adviser Dick Morris, attending a rally sponsored by Americans for Prosperity in Danville this summer, also riffed on the signs, the Danville Register & Bee reported.

"I saw the best sign outside," Mr. Morris said as he took the stage. "It said, 'Hurt U.S. Congress.' "

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