Write-in candidate Mike Steele says it’s impossible to attack an opponent who has lied in court or who has been accused in court of being dishonest.
“Bearing false witness in a court of law is a most egregious offense, especially so by a member of law enforcement,” Steele wrote in an email to The Cortez Journal.
“Exposing it should never be called a political attack,” he wrote.
“I have no opinion of my opponent’s honesty or dishonesty,” Steel wrote in an email, “but I do believe the subject was certainly covered by the court documents and testimony by court officials who had known him for decades,” he wrote in an email to the Journal.
Steele was referring to Republican sheriff candidate Steve Nowlin and portions of a 249-page court transcript from a 2008 case that his supporters say prove that Nowlin has a reputation for being dishonest.
Steele said he didn’t authorize his supporters to question Nowlin’s credibility.
Steele also dismissed questions that his supporters had launched “political attacks.”
Steele posted on his campaign’s Facebook page on Aug. 26 that supporters of Nowlin were spreading rumors in an attempt to “impugn” his integrity.
Steele wrote that one such individual, who he identified only as a current Montezuma County Sheriff’s Office employee, had stooped to a new low recently.
“I have no knowledge whatsoever that would indicate my opponent is behind the lies that are being told, which state I am a convicted felon,” Steele wrote.
Steele added that he was enrolled in a POST training course, adding that he was required to pass a “rigid background check” to be accepted into the program.
“The citizens of Montezuma County need to ask themselves what character trait(s) allows a current or former member of a position of public trust to lower themselves to spreading falsehoods about another person for real or imagined gain,” Steele posted on Facebook.
“Is that the qualities one wants to see in those in whom we place so much trust?” Steele said.
According to California Superior Court records, Steele was charged with multiple felonies in connection to a San Bernardino County bail bond kickback scheme more than a decade ago.
Records show Steele pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge in connection to the case.
“The misdemeanor was ultimately dismissed,” Steele told tea party supporters in July.
