A pizzeria owner in a Detroit suburb received death threats after offering free pizzas to anyone who turns in a McCain-Palin yard sign.
Diana Franzoni, owner of Salvatore's Pizzeria in Warren, Mich., complained about harassing phone calls over the anti-GOP promotion, the Detroit Free Press reported
"They've been actually calling here and threatening my life," Franzoni said. "It's just ridiculous. People have blown something completely innocent completely out of proportion."
McCain supporters have also expressed outrage over a political sign posted in the pizzeria that says, "Want to hear a joke? Sarah Palin."
Franzoni, 33, said callers have accused her of being an "N-word lover" and a "communist" for offering the promotion after the McCain campaign left Michigan to focus on battleground states.
"We put out a sign that said 'McCain gave up on Michigan. Michigan should give up on McCain. Turn in your McCain lawn sign for one free, mini pizza with topping,'" she said.
According to the report, 300 yard signs were turned in before the offer expired Tuesday. McCain-Palin supporters began calling police to report their signs had been stolen for the promotion. McCain campaign volunteer Ruthann Dawley told the Free Press a thief stole her sign out of her front yard
"I'm really hopping mad about this," Dawley said. "To me, it's like rewarding vandalism."
The pizzeria owner said she didn't intend to encourage thieves to steal political signs.
"We would never advocate theft nor would we ever put a promotion up for such a thing."
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