Because there is some inaccurate, misleading information circulating regarding the current Republican nomination for the Sheriff position, and because the new Chair and Executive Committee of the ACRC believe in complete and total transparency and honesty at all levels, the ACRC has felt it important to provide clarification to those who may not be familiar with the nominating process.
Multiple people, including pillars of our community and elected officials, both within and outside of the Republican Party, encouraged Sheriff Smith to run for the Republican nomination. He chose to not do so and we whole-heartedly respect his decision. However, it was explained to Sheriff Smith that if someone else (or more than 1 person) sought the nomination, based on the rules of the party, a nomination process would take place where one of those candidates would receive the nomination. Again, Sheriff Smith was encouraged to participate in this process and he chose not to.
No one within the Augusta County Republican leadership sought other candidates to run on the Republican ticket or to run against Sheriff Smith. If they had done so, they would be within their right and we would publicly say that we had done so, however that is not the case. Sheriff Smith has been told this on multiple occasions, yet there remains a conspiracy theory to the contrary.
We caution those who may not be familiar with the process to be drawn into false or misleading information. In fact, we'd encourage anyone who may be interested in learning more about the process, join us at any committee meeting, which is held the 3rd Tuesday of each month at 7 pm at the Augusta County Government Center.
