"They're so amateur, it's funny," he said.

The latest attack happened Oct. 14 at the Newport public library, where about 60 people were gathered for a forum with School Board candidates. Six people are running for three seats this year.

While all were inside, someone slipped under every windshield wiper an "Open Letter to Newport Voters from Bob Yoder." It was laced with profanity.

"I've got an MBA," the fake letter said. "I bet there are only 10 people in Newport who have MBAs. Most of you don't even know what it is."

Yoder works for Erlanger and Elsmere, coordinating a business development project. Originally from Indiana, he now lives in Newport's East Row with his wife and 3-year-old son.

He has been involved in several causes, pushing for neighborhood preservation and speaking up for a gay-bar owner in Newport after the bar received hate mail.

He does have a master's degree in business administration.

Last month, an anonymous flier was left on doorsteps in Newport. Purporting to be citizens' quotes about the candidates, it took jabs at Yoder and incumbents Steve Duve and Jim Hesch, while praising board Chairman Tete Turner and candidates Andrea Janovic and Rob Rummel.

Yoder is certain of one thing: Turner isn't the culprit. A 26-year board member, he is always a top vote-getter and has no need for dirty tricks, Yoder said.

E-mail kgutierrez@enquirer.com