NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- The fight over whether English should become the official language of Metro government business has become so heated that police are investigating threats targeting a local politician.

Video: Controversial Councilman Receives Threats

Metro councilman Eric Crafton, the main proponent of the English-First initiative, received several threatening calls and e-mails over the weekend. Also, the threats have also been extended to his wife and daughter, said police.

Crafton said he is used to people disagreeing with his views. During the first English-Only petition drive, he said he received several cards with nasty notes.

"When they are criticizing me, that's OK. I understand that. That comes with the territory," said Crafton.

But this weekend the criticism turned into repeated threats directed at him and his family.

"You don't have the right to threaten me with bodily harm, or more importantly my family. That's something I'm not going to put up with," said Crafton.

The councilman called police who have their special investigations team looking into the matter. Police said Crafton received at least six threatening phone calls and five e-mails.

"Despite their political views, despite their controversial positions they take, they should not be subject to threats of harassment and repeated threats," said Metro police spokesman Don Aaron.

No arrest warrants have been issued, but police said they may be closing in on a possible suspect.

"It sounds like we know who it may be, so police are going to finish out their investigation and take statements, and then we'll see what our next move is," said Crafton.

The councilman said the threats and names aren't deterring him and are only strengthening his resolve.

"If people think they are going to scare me, threaten me or keep me from seeing this through to the end, they are sadly mistaken," said Crafton.

While Crafton wouldn't disclose the name of the person that police might be looking for, he did say he intends to prosecute whoever is responsible to the fullest extent of the law.

A special election has been set for Jan. 22 to decide the language initiative. The city estimates it will cost about $350,000 to hold election.