An effigy of Republican vice-presidential candidate Sarah Palin hanging by a noose as part of the Halloween display of a West Hollywood resident has created discomfort among his neighbors who reported the scene as a hate crime.

Homeowner Chad Michael Morisette has attracted much attention with his very personal Halloween display. A mannequin dressed up to resemble Republican vice-presidential nominee Sarah Palin, complete with beehive hairdo and eyeglasses, hangs by the neck from the eaves of his home.

Another mannequin, this time representing Republican presidential candidate John McCain, appears to be coming up from the house’s chimney, surrounded in flames. The house displays more regular Halloween decorations as well, such as skeletons and spider webs.

The effigies of Palin and McCain have disturbed some of Morisette’s neighbors, who made calls to the West Hollywood station of the Sheriff’s Department. Though the effigies were reported as hate crimes, Steve Whitmore, spokesman for the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, said they do not “rise” to the level of hate crime.

Local officials said the homeowner was covered by free speech rights and the Halloween display could be considered political satire. Morisette’s home is being watched though so that the situation does not develop negatively.

Morisette told local KCAL-TV that his house was adorned with Halloween “art” and commented that a similar scene invoking Democrat Barack Obama would have created even more unrest among his neighbors, probably inciting them to throw objects through the windows.

West Hollywood Mayor Jeffrey Prang issued a statement pleading with residents to remove controversial displays that reference violence and “find more constructive ways to express their opinion.”

Should Barack Obama win the Nov. 4 elections, he would become the first African –American president of the US.