Some fear for Obama's safety as race nears end

Stephanie Toone

Nov. 3, 2008 (McClatchy-Tribune Regional News delivered by Newstex) -- Last month's amateur plot to assassinate Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama has raised awareness of safety concerns for the high profile candidate.

The increasingly angry rhetoric of the campaign's final weeks, and a rise in hate groups make things potentially more volatile, said Mark Potok, director of the Intelligence Project at the Southern Poverty Law Center in Montgomery, Ala.

"Barack Obama is a black man and this country has a history of racial violence," he said in a telephone interview. "It's still alive and well to some degree."

He said such concerns probably prompted Mr. Obama getting Secret Service protection more than 18 months ago, well ahead of other presidential candidates.

Jim Mackin, a Secret Service agent in Washington said in a phone interview "the historic nature of this campaign is not lost on us."

"We've seen unprecedented crowds at sites, so we're providing him with the best possible protection," Agent Mackin said. "We certainly aren't taking any chances."

If elected president, Mr. Obama would receive the same level of protection he currently receives, Agent Mackin said.

He would not provide details on how many men guard Mr. Obama, but said with or without threats to Mr. Obama's life, the Secret Service is always at a heightened state of alert.

That level of protection could be necessary, Mr. Potok said. He predicts the attention of many white supremacist groups, which have focused on illegal immigration of Hispanics in recent years, will shift focus toward an Obama presidency.

The Intelligence Project, which monitors and investigates hate groups, reports a 48 percent growth in white supremacists groups between 2000 and 2007, growing from 602 to 888.

Mr. Potok said he expects growth in those hate groups if Mr. Obama wins Tuesday.

Reach Stephanie Toone at (706) 823-3215 or stephanie.toone@augustachronicle.com.

Newstex ID: KRTB-0004-29129176