You see, most politicians work hard to keep themselves away from seedy characters who may have a troubled or checkered past. We all have trouble in our life, but as a political method, associating with trouble isn't a good way to win a major campaign.

http://www.kansas.com/...

Wichita restaurateur Craig Gabel will not face criminal charges on allegations that he violated campaign law and threatened the Wichita City Council.

Oh, that strange time when, running as a candidate he offered to shoot people on site for enforcement of the law. While he was dismissed from charges (it was just sarcastic), it wasn't exactly the end of the story. His flier, advertising his campaign still had a coupon, and his restaurant was mixed in with his campaign finance. Minor slap on the wrist, for sure. Nothing really at stake, here, right?

I mean, Pat Roberts would never be on stage with someone who was a lunatic, right? His campaign staff would vet against that, right?

Well, it all starts in 2004 when Sharon Fitchett filed for a restraining order against the tea party leader.



“threatened, harassed, [and] contacted the plaintiff.”

“Threatened [to], cut me open, burn my restaurant down. Harassed, asked him to quit calling, said if I would have sex with him he would fix everything and leave me alone. He said I didn’t need to go have a hysterectomy (sic) he would cut it out for me. Talked nasty. And said slap me upside my head."

So what? I mean, come on.. maybe he was just out of control that ONE time. It's been ten years, right? I mean, really.. Pat Roberts certainly wouldn't hang out with a guy who was.. oh.. wait...

In 2006, Craig Gabel found himself facing another restraining order from another woman, Elizabeth Tindle.



“started harassing me again. So far by email only but sending to my work place not just home. About 8-9 months ago he drove a vehicle through my garage door, and rammed my car into the wall of my house; he also broke in a few weeks later, stole an item, and left a note claiming to have done so…(line cut off)…police and have case numbers.”

“scarred, humiliated, embarrassed, controlled, angry, hurt, depressed, and so very tired of feeling all of these things.”

“Mr. Gabel has taken my trash from outside dumpster on several occasions around Nov. 2006 and just recently. Before restraining order was in effect he had told me at one time that he had done this many times before. Also on Friday, April 13, 2007, I was contacted by a process server, on his behalf to serve me with a subpoena to appear in court on his behalf for his divorce from his first wife, Debra Spicer—Case No. 02.D.1863. The court date listed is April 26, 2007 at 9:00 a.m. When this restraining order was granted, Judge Dewey told both of us “No contact, not even by 3rd party"

In April of 2007, Craig Gabel was called back into court for potentially violating his order..Ok, but seriously, still, you're talking about now 8 years ago. I'm sure he's reforms, certainly.

Joshua Blick files for a restraining order against stalking behavior in 2013..

Ok, so.. look, maybe it was just last year that fellow Republican was stalked and asked for protection. After all, he was only upset about minor things.

On March 18, 2013, Joshua Blick filed a “written verified petition” requesting a “Temporary Order of Protection from Stalking” for Craig Gabel. The Temporary Order of Protection covered both Mr. Blick and his minor children. A hearing was set for March 28, 2013 and a summons was issued. The order was granted, pending that hearing.

The order stated that:

• The plaintiff’s address and telephone number shall remain confidential for the protection of the protected person

• The defendant shall not follow, harass, telephone, contact or otherwise communicated with the protected person

• The defendant shall not abuse, molest, or interfere with the privacy rights of the protected person wherever they may be

• The defendant shall not contact the protected person, either directly or indirectly

• The defendant shall not direct or request another to contact the protected person, either directly or indirectly

• The defendant shall not enter or come on or around the premises, the residence, or workplace where the protected person resides, stays, or works

• (listed as an “other provision”) No contact with plaintiff’s minor children

The order also said that the defendant’s concealed carry license (if it existed) would be subject to revocation if he violated the order.

In his petition, Mr. Blick described multiple incidents of the stalking that he sought protection from. He listed three incidents, including Mr. Gabel pulling up in front of his house for an hour and a half, sending an employee to trespass on Mr. Blick’s property, and an incident during which an employee or Mr. Gabel stole Mr. Blick’s property, was confronted, and then threatened Mr. Blick “with a large limb and a 2x4 board.”



Mr. Blick then wrote he needed protection because “I fear for my life and the lives of my family. Craig Gabel and his employees are getting closer and closer to my family. Every time I call and report to the authorities on Craig’s actions and the action of his employees I receive retaliation by coming to my (illegible) and/or threats.” In a supplementary document, Blick described another incident, saying “at the Wichita Pachyderm Club, Craig Gabel walked up to me and said that if I made City Council that “he would kick my ass.” This was at a public forum.”

It's OK. Maybe that's just how Pat Roberts rolls. Get on stage and shake some hands with a stalker who makes other Republicans and women feel threatened for their life.

They are, after all, his 'base' as he calls them.



“This election will determine the direction of our republic,” Roberts said.

Nothing, after all, determines the direction of our Republic like begging for the endorsement of a repeated stalker and serial harasser.