IRVING -- "We are at war", that quote was in a recent campaign email in Irving, and some candidates admit they feel under attack. They believe that high emotions that began with the battle over immigration here in Irving are pushing some people past the legal line, creating an atmosphere that encourages critics to get personal. The mayor believes that happened in Phillip Smith's case.

Phillip Smith says he had enough of a little dog running loose in his neighborhood Friday. “The city wasn't doing anything about it,” said Smith.

But instead of sending a complaint to Mayor Herb Gears, he sent the dog, encased in a large vented cardboard box, left at the Mayor's home with a note, criticizing animal control measures.

"And since I'm not going to do the job I'm supposed to do here's the dog for me," said Mayor Gears.

While Smith says his unusual delivery wasn't meant to be threatening, or a political statement, the mayor disagrees, saying the political atmosphere in Irving has turned ugly and personal.

Councilwoman Rose Cannaday agrees. "I've never seen it like this I've never seen it this bad," said Councilwoman Cannaday.

She filed a police report after a string of incidents at her home, including mail thrown into the street, trash in her yard, and a sign plastered to her window.

"I've taken it to where they're saying: we can come in your yard, we can come all the way up to the house, we can look in your window. Kind of a type of intimidation" said Councilwoman Cannaday.

The two candidates are now both on the police department's special patrol list, a list that includes Irving homes and businesses that may be at increased risk.

"If I'm going to write a report, or have to sit and write reports, I'm going to pull up in that area where I can be present and maybe somebody won't pull up and break in," said Officer David Tull, Irving Police Department.

But Smith sees no problem with taking his concerns to a politician’s front door. “The mayor has said you got a problem, call him. He wasn't at home,” said Smith.

At least one other candidate, Mayoral candidate Roland Jeters, says he's also experienced personal threats during this race, but tells us he's made no reports, nor requested any special patrol, though any resident can do that.

He told us wearily this evening: "If they want to get you, they'll find a way to get you."

E-mail chawes@wfaa.com