Patt Waak, the chairwoman of Colorado's Democratic Party, said the two men who smashed windows at the party's headquarters in Denver today appeared bent on vandalism and not theft. “There are lots of papers of a confidential nature but these men never got into the building," she told dscriber. "We have a protective shield over the glass. I think they just wanted to do damage."

Waak said she had never met Maurice Schwenkler, 24, the sole suspect arrested by police during the incident earlier today on the one-year anniversary of the Democrats' massive convention in the Mile High City to nominate Barack Obama for president.

Denver police happened on two suspiciously-dressed suspects as they allegedly smashed windows decorated with pro health care reform signs. A police statement said a second suspect escaped; reports of the capture of the second suspect on some websites were not true, police said.

Waak said there had been two vandalism incidents during the last election but no one was arrested.

She added that Democratic health care proposals have been met a wide spectrum of opinion -- including disagreement -- inside the party. There are some who want a so-called "single payer" option and nothing else. There are others who are nervous regarding the strong tone of some during town hall meetings.

"I think the large majority know we need health care," Waak added.

Waak also confirmed an earlier report by dscriber that Schwenkler was paid $500 to do some communications work for the Colorado Citizens’ Coalition, a 527 political group associated with Democratic interests. Schwenkler also is not listed in the party’s database of registered voters.

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Photo courtesy of Colorado Democratic Party