Health care dissent blamed for vandalism at Denver's Democratic HQ
Eleven windows at the Colorado Democratic Party headquarters on Santa Fe Drive were shattered early this morning in a vandalism spree that party Chairwoman Pat Waak blamed on animosity surrounding the health care debate.

In the early morning hours, the vandal allegedly used a hammer to smash the picture windows, which were emblazoned with posters touting President Barack Obama and the Democratic position on health care reform.

The other storefronts surrounding the building on 8th Avenue and Santa Fe Drive in downtown's art district were untouched. But the Democratic posters are scuffed from hammer blows, Waak said.

"We ought to be having a serious, conscientious debate about what's best for the country," Waak said. "Clearly there's been an effort on the other side to stir up hate. I think this is the consequence of it."

She estimates the damage at $11,000.

The Denver Police Department has a man in custody, though they are not yet releasing the suspect's name, said Det. Vicki Ferrari.

An officer on patrol spotted the vandal in the act around 2:20 a.m. and took him into custody after a short foot pursuit, she said.

For weeks, both conservative and liberal groups have vehemently argued their positions on health care - specifically the so-called "public option" - at rallies and protests around the country.