Political Threats Increasing

New research reveals growing safety risks surrounding public service, with elected officials and their families facing threats, harassment and mounting strain that could make it harder to recruit candidates.  Political Scientist Alexandra Findra says those numbers could be even higher because some officials worry that reporting a threat makes the problem worse…

“Elected officials are reluctant to talk about what is happening to them because they’re afraid that it will invite more political violence to their door.”

She says voters need to be hard on the problems, not the candidates…

“It is perfectly understandable that one gets angry at a decision and that a decision is not fair, but threats and doxing and showing up at somebody’s home, threatening their kids is not acceptable.”