As we head into the final weeks leading to the July primary elections, one race that's heating up is in Lee County for the office of sheriff, and the two candidates on the ballot are agreeing on one thing: stop tampering with their campaign signs.
Both Reggie Rachals and David Cheshire have seen their campaign signs vandalized, and they want it to stop.
They agree on that. But, there are still a few points of contention between the two men.
The destruction of campaign signs in Lee County continues.
Candidate David Cheshire found one of his signs tossed onto a vacant lot.
"It's happened in the past, it is happening now, it will happen in the future," Cheshire said. "There is nothing I can do or he can do. All I can do is beg. If my supporters are doing this to his signs, please stop. We don't need this."
Stealing or damaging campaign signs can possibly get you arrested. The sheriff complained last week that his some of his signs were destroyed.
"Basically, leave the signs alone," said Sheriff Rachals. "Leave them alone where they are that."
While both candidates agree campaign signs should be left alone, but they don't agree on whether to debate.
"You know, I want to let people know what I plan on doing for the next four years," Cheshire said. "I'm ready to put on this debate or this forum so he can discuss his next four years if he is elected sheriff that he can bring to the county."
Rachals says he has never gotten an official offer for a debate from Cheshire. And even if he did, he would decline.
"I'm not interested in a debate," Rachals said. "I'm running strictly on my record and my merit. It stands for itself. I've done a lot for this county. I'm grateful, honored, and humbled to hopefully continue the job I've done so far."
Both men say they want to run clean and honest campaigns through the July 31st finish.
Neither candidate has blamed the supporters of the other for the sign damage. They both just want it to stop. They say they are working hard to not engage in dirty politics. And it looks like they will not have a debate anytime soon.
Rachals did say the American Legion approached him about setting up a forum for the two candidates. He says that is the only time a debate of any kind has been mentioned to him.
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