I am sharing a facebook post of a small town sheriff candidate who put this on his facebook page dedicated to his election for sheriff. I felt as if this walked a very thin line for him to seemingly threaten criminal proceedings against a town citizen who told a friend/neighbor of his, if she got to know him (the candidate), she wouldn't vote for him. He seemed to bully the guy and then later in comments refer to him by name. I found this entire exchange completely inappropriate but wanted to see what others thought of this kind of language in politics, particularly small town politics. This post is copied directly with no edits. "It was said to someone last night that if they got to know me, they would not support me. I went to the individual that made that statement and asked him in front of the individual he told, and several other adults, what it was about me they needed to know. His answer? He had nothing to say except, "They just need to get to know you." Let me just be clear, I hope all 14,000 plus citizens in Chowan county get to know me. You'll find I'm a man who loves God dearly and I don't set that aside for politics. You'll find that I stand for right all day, every day, not just when it is beneficial or political. You'll find that I love the people of this county and the best interest of each of you is why I'm running for Sheriff. I'm bringing you the truth and I'll bring it in public or private. You'll find I'm a man that will be relentless in pursuit of criminals and diligent in his efforts to ensure equal justice for all. NCGS 163-274 ( For any person to publish or cause to be circulated derogatory reports with reference to any candidate in any primary or election, knowing such report to be false or in reckless disregard of its truth or falsity, when such report is calculated or intended to affect the chances of such candidate for nomination or election; shall be guilty of a class 1 misdemeanor."
