Marty Gordon
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Controversy has struck again in the race for sheriff of Montgomery County.
Former Republican candidate Tim Shepherd has endorsed Democrat Tim Brown for the post.
In a statement on social media, Shepherd said he proudly gives Brown his full endorsement.
“There is no double in my mind that Tim is the most qualified person for the job. I believe it is important, especially in the race for sheriff, to put the person above politics,” he said.
Meanwhile, the county’s Republican party is not taking this endorsement lying down.
The group officially kicked Shepherd out of the Republican Party. In a statement, the party said Shepherd had filled out the form to be a candidate in the primary and agreed to support the winner.
“At public events, he adamantly reaffirmed that he would support the winner of the primary. He gave his word,” the party statement reads. “After the primary, he did not endorse the winning (Republican) candidate, and (this week), he endorsed our opponent,” the statement continues.
Shepherd said in his endorsement that he believes the candidate who holds the right qualifications, character and temperament should fill the position. The other Democratic candidates, Ed Hertling and Greg Warden, have also both endorsed Brown.
Shortly before the Democratic Primary, there was also a small controversy concerning yard signs. An anonymous donor printed and placed advertisements that read “Republicans for Brown.”
The Democratic candidate had no knowledge of the signage until questions arose over their wording. Those signs were later adjusted to say they were not authorized by the Democratic candidate.
Now, Brown swings into the November election with loads of endorsements from across the board. But it’s the latest which is catching voters off guard. The Republican candidate for sheriff, Robert Page, has not spoken publicly on the endorsement or the matter.
Page did take to social media to announce the stoppage of Flock cameras in the county until a committee can be assembled to discuss their usage and need.
