When I decided to run for sheriff, I promised myself three things: there would be no dirty politics; to be true to the residents of Macoupin County; and to be true to myself. I am an honest person and will stand by my statements.

I am and always will be a law enforcement officer first and foremost. I am not a politician. As sheriff, my first responsibility is to protect the citizens of Macoupin County. I have spent my entire career helping to build the Macoupin County Sheriff's Department and I have always taken pride in the department and its employees.

I can tell you that it was the most embarrassing moment of my life. The weapon, which has been my duty weapon for 15 years, was never lost and was only out of my possession for five or six minutes before it was found by prison personnel and returned to me. I never denied anything or tried to cover anything up. And while it was the most embarrassing moment of my life, I can't tell you how grateful I am for everyone that showed their support when the incident became public knowledge.

It just seems a little brazen that that's put on stones. It seems like it might be connected to politics.

Politics are all around us, you can't escape it. It's natural that the best movies are going to reflect what's going on in people's everyday lives.

Republicans do not believe in identity politics.