YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio - A political sign in support of a candidate for an Ohio Senate seat was vandalized Sunday.

Democratic candidate Bob Hagan posted a picture of the burning sign on Twitter. He said the picture of the sign was sent to him by someone that lives nearby and put the fire out.

The burning sign was found on Broadway in Youngstown near Wick Park.

Hagan told 21 News the action is "emblematic of the violent anarchy of the republican ruling class."

The former state representative is locked in a hotly contested race with incumbent Michael Rulli, Ohio's 33rd Senate District seat.

Below is Hagan's full statement on the situation:

“This is emblematic of the violent anarchy of the republican ruling class. People who want to steal your rights, steal your money, and steal your future. We have to get back to common sense. We have to care about each other, expand our circles to take care of more people, not close ourselves off from the outside, and scream at those they hate and burn down symbols they don’t like. Now is not a moment to hide. I’m calling on Mike Rulli to condemn all acts of political violence. But he won’t; he’ll hide from the tough stuff like he always does. Because at the end of the day, he’s in Columbus for one reason and one reason only… to protect the corrupt corporate interests who are running this state into the ground, into chaos, and stealing our chance at a fair future for all.”
 
21 News reached out to Senator Rulli about the sign burning. He said his team is investigating the incident.
 
He sent the following statement to 21 News Sunday afternoon.
 
"So far, all our sources are saying it was an inside job? The photograph was taken during the day with the fire still going. Come on, Bob. This is an all-time low! Very convenient for them to take this picture. Very obvious. So sad."
 
Rulli and Hagan are set to square off for the seat during the November 8 election.