Tea Party Democrat Gathers Momentum in County Sheriff Race

Online, October 6, 2010 (Newswire.com) - Garrett County, Maryland -- Fed up with business-as-usual in their county, state and federal governments, voters in predominantly republican Garrett County are turning to an unlikely champion: a democrat.

However, SJ Hebden is no ordinary democrat. As America's first "Tea Party Democrat" candidate for sheriff, Hebden argues that a single political party cannot hold a monopoly on the virtues of constitutional limitations and fiscal responsibility.

"It's clear that the Obama administration wants to turn this country into a socialist wasteland where hard work and ethics count for nothing," Hebden said, "Democrat, republican, or independent - we need to back people who are committed to restoring this country to the glory and dignity our founders intended."

Hebden spent the past year visiting the rural mountain communities in Garrett County, educating voters on the traditional, constitutional role of the County Sheriff.

"A lot of people think the sheriff is simply the boss of the police," Hebden said, "In reality, the sheriff is the citizens' final defense against an oppressive government. Not even the President of the United States can instruct the County Sheriff to violate the constitutional rights of the citizens he protects. To paraphrase the great Sheriff Richard Mack, the county sheriff just might be America's last hope. If your sheriff doesn't understand this, he doesn't understand the office."

Describing his opponents as out-of-control spenders indentured to state government, Hebden advises his supporters to back any local candidate who desires a return to transparency, budget restraint and, above all, constitutional values.

"This November we need to get good people in office at the state and local levels who are committed to guiding America back in the right direction," Hebden said, "It just so happens that in Garrett County that person is a democrat. With the war brewing for 2012 against Obama's disastrous administration, we need strong local leaders who can carry out the wishes of the people."

With the election less than a month away, the citizens of Garrett County must choose between party affiliation and candidate values.