LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — A vandalized campaign sign that pokes fun at U.S. Rep. Jeff Fortenberry has triggered a public spat between the Nebraska congressman’s chief of staff and a professor who found it amusing.
University of Nebraska Associate Political Science Professor Ari Kohen filed an ethics complaint against Dr. William “Reyn” Archer III, alleging Archer threatened him for “liking” a photograph of the sign on Facebook.
The vandalized sign shows Fortenberry with cartoonish, googly eyes, and his name was changed to “Fartenberry.”
Kohen says Archer called him after he “liked” the post. He released a recording in which Archer suggests he might publicize that a professor at a public university had “liked” an image of vandalism.
Archer says he did not intend to threaten or intimidate Cohen. He says the conversation ended amicably.