Reform Foes Send Condom, Threats to Lawmaker

Threats and abuse aimed at Democratic lawmakers who voted for health care reform continue, as Minnesota Rep. Betty McCollum received numerous letters, including one containing a condom and another with a piece of a shredded American flag soaked in gasoline. The letter accompanying the condom reads, “Betty McCollum you’ve been dry f***** by the liberal party.” Another reads, “I will hound you. I will intimidate you and your family.”

In a statement, the Minnesota Independent reports, McCollum said, “I will not back down in the face of attacks, threats, and violence.” Still, “this has gone beyond freedom of speech. This has gone to direct intimidation with intent to harm, and that is criminal action.” A note accompanying the flag, also sent to Minnesota Rep. Keith Ellison and Sens. Amy Klobuchar and Al Franken, said “it represents Obama and your liberal filth," CNN reports. "Because of you, we are now a country of dirt, shame, corruption and slime." (More Betty McCollum stories.)