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Republican Party Sign In Chicago's Lincoln Park Spells Trouble

Sign Of Trouble

(CBS) -- A large sign for the Chicago Republican Party at Fullerton and Lincoln has launched a debate -- not so much about what it says but about where it's located.

"Immediately when the sign went up I called the alderman and the Building Department," psychologist Tom Alcock says.

His office window is covered with the Chicago Republican Party sign. He says it seems to give his professional practice a political label.

Chicago Republican Party Sign
Chris Cleveland stands in front of the GOP-oriented sign that has caused a stir in Lincoln Park. (WBBM/Steve Miller)

Chris Cleveland is the chairman of the city's Republican Party, which is down the hall. His name is on the big sign over Alcock's window.

"We are a small, beleaguered, put-upon political minority in the city of Chicago. We've been abused for years and years and years, and we're fed up with it and it's time for us to stand up for our rights," Cleveland says.

Cleveland admits he didn't get a city permit for the sign but says he shouldn't have to.

The landlord says he allowed the sign, but that was assuming Cleveland would get a permit. He's telling Cleveland to straighten it out.

Now the city is threatening fines against the landlord.

There's a hearing scheduled for May 2.

"No landlord wants to pay legal fees for administrative hearings and pay, if there's going to be a fine," the landlord's attorney, Keil Larson, tells WBBM Newsradio.

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