Caxambas Republican Club Treasurer bullies and intimidates 15 year old on Marco Island

Caxambas Republican Club Treasurer Jack DeHanas bullying and threatening a 15 year old volunteer at Precinct 193 on Marco Island, FL on Election Day (November 6, 2012). Mr. DeHanas was attempting to prevent young Nathan from holding his Mitt Romney sign while handing out a flyer for Libertarian FL House candidate Peter Richter. Nathan supported Mitt Romney for President and preferred Mr. Richter for FL House due to his pro-life platform. Precinct voters as well as volunteers for various candidates witnessed this despicable intimidation tactic.

Apparently, the "big tent" Republicans like Mr. DeHanas don't like when people exercise their individual rights to support whatever candidates they feel best represent them.

This was not an isolated incident. An hour or so before this incident, Caxambas Republican Club vice President Joe Granda physically assaulted the 15 year old by stealing literature he was holding in his pockets. Granda wasn't satisfied by just stealing Nathan's material so he had to make a call to Mr. DeHanas to come down and prevent him from even holding a simple "Romney/Ryan" standard sign. Granda's actions were also witnessed by various campaign volunteers at Precinct 193.

Young Nathan was volunteering his time for credit in his government class.

After Mr. DeHanas' boorish behavior, Nathan didn't even want to hold his Romney sign any more. Nathan and his family were welcomed at the Richter/Libertarian event later that evening. Nathan was given a round of applause for standing up for his right to support whatever candidates he wants. Unfortunately for Caxambas Republican Club leaders like Joe Granda and Jack DeHanas, the First Amendment allowed Nathan hand out whatever flyers or hold whatever sign he wanted.

Right as the video ends, Mr. DeHanas retreats back to one of the other areas for political solicitation outside Precinct 193 and then he left a short time thereafter.

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  News & Politics

[Steven S.]

If the kid is doing something that is in violation ..then he needs to follow the rules. Simple as that. The REP guys is provoking the Dem guy and trying to start a argument. We still don't what the main issue is, or what the kid was doing. You can't hand out info for 2 parties. Typical GOP tactic. Make everyone feel sorry for a kid who doesn't know any better. Follow the Law!!!

[CollierLP]

Smitty, the boy was a republican holding a Mitt Romney sign (he supported all the republicans running except for one). He also was trying to hand out a flyer for one of the Libertarian candidates that was running locally.

If you're main concern is how this effects your party electorally rather than why this kids individual liberties were being violated then you are part of the problem.

[MarcoIsland Gop]

CollierLP, you sound like a reasonable individual and I applaud your upload and efforts although the title of your video is misleading. A proper title would include the individual involved not the club as a whole.

[CollierLP]

That is reasonable although the boy was confronted by both the group treasurer (seen in the video) and their vice-President Joe Granda in the same bullying fashion. Title has been updated.

[Larry19451]

That needs to have an impact on DeHanas. Republican or whatever, it makes no difference. People like that don't belong in positions of importance. That was really bad. Thanks to Jared and Elsa for standing up for the kid. I'm sure he was intimidated.

[Detonator40]

Hey, if you can't argue with someone, just attempt to intimidate them, right?

[Steven S.]

First Amendment is one thing, but Election locations have a totally new set of rules. That's all I am saying..besides..ITS OVER!! OBAMA WON!!

Move on...

[Alexander Snitker]

These actions are typical of the leadership of these local groups. You and your kind need to be exposed for the actions of your leaders. You will do nothing to these individuals who act in this type of manner. Your silent is consent and I hope your party goes the way of the Whigs.

[Alexander Snitker]

THERE IS NO LAW AGAINST WHAT THE BOY WAS DOING!!!!! Do you even understand the 1st amendment.

[MikeTalksAbout]

As a generally a Registered Republican , This guy is a Moron, I did not support Mitt But any American Should Agree The actions taken by Jack Dehanas, on this video are appalling. Any party should welcome and encourage the youth to participate in our process.

The problem is there is to many "Jack Dehanas" type people in both Parties and treat there political party affiliations like a Its a Gang or a Sports Team. And not enough "Nathans"

[Jiong Gao]

What a douche.

[whippetblues]

As a proud Democrat, I can clearly state that this old fella is a moron.

[Owensflix]

the best line is 17 seconds into it.  Vote Libertarian.

[Steven S.]

I see the elephant now. It's sad that anyone should be berated for just handing out any paper work. I would also say that the parents should not use there kids to hand out stuff like that to adults. If he was 18 and allowed to vote, then he should able to hand out anything he believes in. I am glad we all agree on that. I thought the Old White Guy was an election official..my bad! :) We all know how smooth the elections go in Florida! lol

[Steven S.]

Well...I'd like to get BOTH sides of the story before making any judgement. The old guy said you and him had run ins before...so I know there is more to this then meets the eye!! :)

If the kid was not breaking any laws...then he should be able to do what he wants. Then there is the question of even putting a 15 year old kid out there to take the heat. I support the kid..but the fathers judgement or motive is questionable. Either way..4 more years of Obama!