ETX Sheriff's candidate responds to allegations | News

From Larry Smith, Candidate for Smith County Sheriff:

SMITH COUNTY, TX (KLTV) - My Response to Allegations and Attacks on Private Citizens Supporting Me

When I started this race, I knew I was putting a target on my back, but I had no idea my friends and supporters would come under such vicious personal attacks.

It would be very dangerous for me to violate my conscience and throw away my character for the sake of politics. I simply will not do it.

Last week the attacks from my opponent and his supporters started coming in at a rapid-fire rate, and I expect them to get worse; however, I will not respond in kind. Our campaign has not, and will never, stoop to cutting and pasting a video of my opponent, nor will we use character assassination to try to win this race. I also will not help the opposition slander private citizens by responding to their smears.

We are focused on delivering my message to the voters of Smith County and not dirty politics. I am so humbled and deeply gratified to have had the honor of giving 34 years of my life to law enforcement service to the people, and I will not sully that service by participating in the mudslinging.

The remaining days of this campaign for sheriff will be spent the way I started – talking about my experience and how I plan to protect the life, liberty, and property of the people of Smith County.

I will continue to talk about my record of getting justice for victims of crime, and my vision for Smith County. Until the end, my message will be my positive, workable plan to make Smith County a safe place to raise kids, retire, and grow a business.

Larry R. Smith, Candidate for Smith County Sheriff