Largo Protester Takes on Ann Romney, GOP Supporters

Mark Klutho could be called a professional protestor.

Klutho, a frequent speaker at government meetings, stood with a stack of protest signs to greet Ann Romney, wife of GOP presidential nominee Mitt Romney. She visited Largo Community Center on Wednesday in support of her husband's bid for president. 

Klutho wore a hat to keep the sun at bay, a water bottle strapped to his waist and a silkscreen T-shirt with a black and white image of the country and the words: "Land of the Free* Some restriction apply. Void where prohibited."

He stood under the shade of some slash pines with more of his signs: “Greedy Old Party,” “GOP = Evil" and "Twitt Ryan Pathological Liars."

“I want Romney to see the sign here,” said Klutho who was the lone protestor at the speaking event.

Klutho was greeted by Steven Schuler, owner of Pet Safari in Clearwater.

Schuler, in a red Mitt Romney T-shirt, steadied a handheld camcorder as he asked Klutho about his signs.

“You’re a Romney believer, so I’m not going to take the time, junior,” Klutho said. “I’m out here to aggravate you.”

The two went back and forth for a bit, as Schuler criticized Klutho for protesting and for his participation at local government meetings. Klutho typically scolds city leaders, school board members and other elected officials during public comment.

Schuler said he doesn’t participate in government or politics. He said he was trying to get a seat at the event for his wife, but after hearing it was full, he said he would wait to see Ann Romney’s motorcade arrive.

“I don’t do political stuff much,” Schuler said. As far as political celebrity sight-seeing? “I’m pretty excited about that."

Klutho, who also held signs in St. Petersburg and Tampa during the Republican National Convention and at President Barack Obama’s rally in Seminole on Saturday, criticized Schuler and other Republican supporters.

“We have to take this country back to 1850 and they’d be real happy,” Klutho said.