Stomach-Turning Stunt Targets Ohio Republicans Ahead of New Abortion Law

All 25 GOP state senators were targeted with the “envelopes full of feces” in the Thursday mail, according to The Columbus Dispatch. The United States Postal Inspection Service is investigating.

“They should’ve just sent a selfie, because it’s the same thing,” Ohio Senate Republican Caucus spokesman John Fortney told the newspaper. “I’d be more than happy to explain it to them in a parking lot or cornfield of their choice.”

Fortney said that the stinky envelopes were intercepted by post offices in Cleveland and Akron, as well as the Statehouse mailroom.

Fortney told Cleveland ABC affiliate WEWS he suspects the poop was “human,” and called those who sent the envelopes “pathetic, little cowards.” He said officials have confirmed the letters were sent nearly a week ago from a Cleveland post office.

Officials warned lawmakers from both Statehouse chambers to exercise caution when opening mail at home. They were exploring the possibility of heightened security measures for the staff.

Although there was no clear motive, the envelopes were mailed as the Buckeye State prepares to implement a ban on abortions after six weeks, following last month’s reversal by the U.S. Supreme Court of Roe v. Wade.

Republican state Sen. Kristina Roegner, who co-sponsored the abortion bill.

“This is a highly charged and emotional issue, there’s passion on both sides,” Roegner said, adding that she took the stomach-turning stunt in stride. “But we need to engage in civil discourse.”

Fellow Republican lawmaker Jay Hottinger joked to a Columbus Dispatch reporter that Thursday was “just another crappy day,” and called the act “gross and stupid.”