Not only did McHenry County Democrats get more votes in this spring’s primary election than Republicans, but they have begun marking their territory.

The mark is in code, just like other gangs, but, with proper manipulation, one can clearly see that it represents the Democratic Party.

And, it is not benign.

Not only does the Democratic Party want to destroy the hegemony Republicans have enjoyed in McHenry County since the party was created in the mid-1800’s, but it is out to leave its mark on the landscape.

They aren’t doing the dirty work themselves any more than donkey droppings at mislabeled “pony rides” can be directly attributed to volunteers going door-to-door in Lake in the Hills last weekend.

Oh, no.

Their little agents don’t leave harmless, if misleading, leaflets about party candidates.

See if you can decode the sign that the Democrats’ latest messengers have begun leaving in very unlikely places.

OK.

Let me make it easy for you.

Look at this mark on Stan Gladbach’s ash tree.

It’s in the shape of a “D.”

And, when was it discovered?

This year.

And how long had it been there before anyone noticed?

A state employee told me 2000, but, he did get his current job about the time Governor Rod Blagojevich took office, so we’ll take everything he says with a grain of salt.

And, speaking of salt, didn’t the Republican Party turn into a pillar of salt about that time?

Still can’t see the “D?”

We know those Democrats are sneaky.

They don’t want Republicans to know what they are doing until after the votes are counted and they have won a county board seat here, maybe a coroner’s or state’s attorney’s race there.

But, in an attempt to provide early warning to Republicans who are interesting in reforming the local party, published here is the exit hole of the emerald ash borer.

It is clearly shaped like a “D.”

So, Republicans, be forewarned.

The first ash trees were just across the street from Kane County.

We know what happened there two years ago.

The Democratic Party candidate for sheriff beat the Republican.

Forewarned is forearmed.