TOLEDO — Spray-painted swastikas have defaced campaign signs of an Ohio congressional candidate who dressed in a Nazi uniform during World War II re-enactments.

The Blade of Toledo reports Republican Rich Iott issued a statement calling the vandalism that appeared Tuesday offensive and disrespectful, particularly to Jews.

Iott told The Associated Press this week he participated in the re-enactments to educate the public. He said he did not agree with the Nazis’ views or actions.

In his statement on the swastikas, Iott accused his opponent’s campaign of encouraging what he described as, “these hateful actions.”

A spokeswoman for Democratic U.S. Rep. Marcy Kaptur calls the allegation ridiculous and says Kaptur’s campaign condemns any vandalism.