* From Rep. Avery Bourne’s Facebook page…

From the Bourne Campaign:

Our campaign has recently become aware of a lewd, fake photo of Rep. Bourne being mailed to voters in the area. We take this disgusting threat and act of intimidation very seriously and are working with state and local law enforcement to investigate. If anyone has information about who is behind this sickening stunt, we ask that they call 217-836-2177.

I’ve been trying to get a copy of the mailer, which I’m told photoshops her head onto another woman’s body, which, I’m told, isn’t clothed.

* The pic came in a manila envelope with first class postage…

More info as it comes in. But whoever did it is supremely stupid and evil.

…Adding… From her Democratic opponent…

State Representative candidate Mike Mathis issued the following statement Thursday condemning an offensive postcard sent to some area residents:

“Late last night, some local residents brought to my attention an offensive postcard found in their mailboxes that had been manipulated to embarrass State Representative Avery Bourne.

“I denounce this offensive piece in no uncertain terms. This goes beyond a late campaign dirty trick. It degrades and insults all women and is an insult to Representative Bourne, our families and our values.

“I have a daughter. The thought of someone using her image and degrading her in this way for any reason at all, let alone for a political purpose, turns my stomach and, as a father, makes me furious.

“I’m angry for Representative Bourne, and I’m outraged and truly saddened that politics in our own small towns have come to this. I urge any law enforcement and local, state and federal agency with any jurisdiction over this incident to investigate the matter and severely punish whomever is responsible for this offensive and degrading material.”

Needless to say, the Republicans ain’t buying it.

…Adding More… For those of you who are claiming without evidence in comments that Bourne must’ve done this to herself, just stop it now. Her grandmother and her great-grandmother both received copies of this mailer.

Again, stop it. Banishments will commence henceforth.

…Adding Still More… From all House Republican women…

We have recently become aware of a lewd, fabricated photo of State Representative Avery Bourne being mailed to individuals across Central Illinois. The contents of the doctored photo are designed to intimidate Rep. Bourne and alter the outcome of the upcoming General Election on November 8th.

As women dedicated to serving the people of Illinois, we find these sexist tactics on a fellow woman legislator disgusting and appalling. We are all keenly aware that politics and campaigns can be rough at times, but these sickening attacks are an affront to our democratic process and strongly discourage women, whether intentionally or not, from stepping up and serving their communities in an elected capacity.

As the youngest member of the General Assembly, Rep. Bourne has worked tirelessly to shatter any preconceived notions about her age or gender and her capacity to serve her constituents of the 95th House District. Voters in Central Illinois should be honored to have a State Representative as dedicated and committed to them as Rep. Bourne, especially as she undergoes such nasty and vile attacks from her detractors.

We look forward to her returning to the General Assembly and stand with her during this time of adversity. Those responsible for creating this repulsive mailer must be held accountable and punished to the fullest extent of the law.