Connecticut Delegation Attacked at RNC

Anti-war protesters tried to block the Connecticut delegation from entering the Xcel Center for the start of the Republican National Convention here in St. Paul. Heath Fahle, the Executive Director of the Connecticut Republican party, told the Political Machine that 80 to 100 protesters were pushing and shoving Connecticut delegates, many of them senior citizens, as they tried to enter the arena for yesterday's session. Mr. Fahle said that the protesters were chanting anti-war slogans and hurling insults and epithets at the delegates.

"The protesters sat down in the street and were physically blocking our way into the center. Several of our delegates were being physically jostled. The police moved in and positioned themselves between the protesters and the delegation and made a wall for us to walk behind as we entered the arena. Then the protesters spat at us. Chairman Healy's 80-year old mother was spat upon by the protesters.

Fahle said that the protesters were carrying homemade signs against the war. He said at least one hand written Obama sign was seen in the crowd. But the protesters were not finished harassing the Connecticut delegates. Mr. Fahle said that after the spiting incident, an unknown liquid was thrown over the line of police and onto the delegation. Eight delegates were hit with the liquid, including an 83-year old woman. Former Congressman Rob Simmons, who had stepped forward to try and protect the delegation, was also hit. Mr. Fahle said the emergency medical personnel later determined that the liquid was a mixture of bleach and water.

Mr. Fahle said that he was unaware of any arrests as a result of the altercation, but that the St. Paul police and the Secret Service were investigating.