UTICA, N.Y. -- Claudia Tenney's campaign affirmed that the safety of its staffers is a concern which has been aired as the incumbent goes against Anthony Brindisi in New York's 22nd Congressional District.

"We've had yard signs vandalized," said Raychel Renna, campaign manager. "We've had a member of our campaign's tires slashed, and it's just important for our team to be aware of the very serious threats that they face in this type of environment and with the type of family that our opponent comes from."

The New York Post first published details about a memo urging the staffers of the Republican Tenney to remain mindful of Brindisi's family, using the words "criminal" and "thuggish" and going on to say they might turn to violence.

"These are completely baseless attacks that she's putting out there. She knows that this is a campaign she could lose," said Brindisi, a Democrat and assemblyman.

The memo refers to a "pattern of violent criminal behavior" involving Brindisi's brother and father.

"My father is not on the ballot in November. Her father is not on the ballot in November. My name and Claudia Tenney's name are on the ballot in November," Brindisi said. "And people are going to look at my record, one of working with both sides of the aisle to get things done, someone who has stood up against my party when I think they're wrong, and someone who has really delivered results for this region."

In the memo, Tenney's staff was told not to go out at night alone, be aware of strange cars, be alert as to whether they're being followed and examine their locks.

Renna said the memo was sent from a campaign consultant.

"We don't know how it got out. It was intended solely for the safety and security of our staff so they could be aware of the type of environment they're facing and be alert when we're at events to take their safety and security first," she said.