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Iowan Defends Obama 'Baby Killer' Yard Sign

Woman Added Anti-Abortion Message To Obama Sign

POSTED: 3:22 pm EDT October 10, 2008
UPDATED: 4:07 pm EDT October 10, 2008

A political yard sign calling Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Barack Obama a "baby killer" is stirring controversy in an Ankeny neighborhood.

Michelle Schadler said she posted the sign to criticize Obama's abortion rights stance, and she said she has every right to do so.

Her neighborhood homeowner's association says otherwise.

"Nerves are very raw right now about the election, and I think that's why they got upset," said Schadler.

Schadler used her computer to doctor an Obama yard sign. She said the president of the WaterCrest Homeowners Association told her to take them down because signs are not allowed, just as they are not in most Iowa neighborhoods governed by homeowner's associations.

"There are many other signs in the neighborhood," Schadler said. "They have not been asked to take theirs down. So it's obvious they find mine offensive. They're asking me to take it down."

Schadler said she also felt her sign was offensive, but she is also offended by abortion.

Neighbor Kristi Kuhles said she shares Schadler's stand against abortion, but she thinks the sign is just too much.

"It seems very hateful and intolerant," she said. "I think with a little love, then people would see your point of view."

But neighbor Kevin Jones, another McCain supporter, said he thinks the sign should stay.

"I think everybody has their right to say what they want to say," Jones said.

Other neighbors said that rules are rules, even if it means blanket enforcement that silences every yard.

"When you choose to live here, you should abide by the rules," said neighbor Mark Crawford.

Justin Smalley, the president of the homeowners association, did not return calls seeking comment about the situation.

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