Hartman Files Democratic Nominating Petitions; Submits 12,000 Signatures

Statement from Eden Supervisor and County Clerk Candidate Melissa Hartman Regarding Filing of Democratic Nominating  Petitions 

“Today I’m excited and proud to submit nearly 12,000 Democratic signatures to secure my place on the ballot as the endorsed Democrat for Erie County Clerk. Thank you to the Democratic Party, all of the Erie County Democratic Committee and the hundreds of volunteers. These are Democrats who want a  County Clerk who has a background in executive leadership. These Democrats want a County Clerk who is responsive to people rather than playing politics and a County Clerk that works for them. I’m especially proud to be solidifying my candidacy today in the face of the serious threats against my family and I want to thank law enforcement officials for working hard to keep us safe. 

“Finally, I appreciate all the kind words of encouragement during this difficult time. It means the world to have the support of others who feel as strongly as I do that you can’t back down to bullies. I’m eager to continue this  campaign and get back to discussing the important issues facing Erie County voters.” 

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Fumbling Kristi Noem ends presser when asked whether CPB hit a party balloon with a laser



Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem abruptly shut down a news conference Friday after being pressed about reports that Border Patrol officials may have mistakenly targeted party balloons with a high-energy laser, triggering a brief airspace shutdown over El Paso, Texas.

The moment came during a press conference in Phoenix, where a reporter asked Noem to clarify why the Federal Aviation Administration had abruptly closed the airspace over El Paso earlier this week – a decision that was reversed just eight hours later with little explanation.

When the subject came up on Friday, Noem declined to answer directly.

“This was a joint agency task force mission that was undertaken, and we're continuing to work on the communication through that,” Noem said. “But recognize we’re grateful for the partnership of the Department of War and the FAA as we go forward. Thank you.”

As the reporter attempted to follow up, Noem immediately cut off the exchange.

“All right, thanks everybody," she said, abruptly ending the news conference before additional questions could be asked.

According to multiple reports, the closure followed a test by Customs and Border Protection at nearby Fort Bliss of a high-energy laser against suspected foreign drones, which turned out to be party balloons.

Officials from the FAA and the Pentagon are scheduled to meet on Feb. 20 to discuss the technology and its potential risk to civilian aircraft.

Q: Can you confirm that CBP actually hit a party balloon it thought was a drone with a laser? And why wasn't that coordinated with the FAA?KRISTI NOEM: You know, this was a joint agency task force, um, mission that was undertaken. And um, we're continuing to work on communication*ends presser*

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— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar.com) February 13, 2026 at 1:28 PM