When Candidates Compensate [Update]

"My sign is bigger than yours"

In case you hadn't heard, Sam Rasoul has had 4x4 signs up all over the district for close to a year now. Only problem is that Botetourt County ordinance explicitly ban political signs from being displayed until 60 days before the election. As such the County Board of Supervisors send a letter to the the County Democratic, Republican and Libertarian Parties reminding them of said ordinances.

Result: Sam gets the Virginia ACLU to send a letter threating to litigate against any action taken against the Rasoul campaign.

81Blue's "thoughts":

1. First off, Sam/ACLU are correct. This is a clearly unconstitutional law and an issue on which the Supreme Court has already spoken on.
2. That being said, it is the currently unlawful to place 4X4 signs in Botetourt County.

Conclusion: I'm not sure what Sam is thinking. Yes he is standing up for principle and what he believes, but get the law changed then put up your signs. Either way, I hope this county doesn't have to go through expensive litigation because of this. As the situation stands now

1. Yard signs don't vote (no matter how big)
2. Sam is pissing off residents and elected officials of Botetourt County
3. Botetourt provides less than 5% of delegates to the Sixth District nominating convention, only 7 of 147.

Update: The Drew Richardson campaign has released a statement on the Botetourt sign debacle. Click on the link for full text, below is the gist.

"I agree with the Botetourt County Board of Supervisors that political (and other) signage is largely a blight on the environment and a disservice to those who enjoy the beauty of this Valley. I also agree with the ACLU that a form of legalized compliance is probably not necessary and likely does infringe upon freedom of speech.

"I believe that common sense, good judgment and particularly respect for the opinions of those members of the community whose support is sought in an election should be sufficient reason for not putting up such signs far in advance of a general election.