Loose Cannon: Desperate claim by Charleston SC Republican Sheriff Al Cannon claims ACLU wants to abolish registry

Abolishing the registry would be a good thing, Al. It is useless and does not work, apparently except when you need to scare some undecideds to vote for you. 

https://abcnews4.com/news/local/sheriff-al-cannon-makes-multiple-claims-about-aclu-says-thy-endorse-kristen-graziano

Sheriff Al Cannon makes multiple claims about ACLU, says it endorses Kristin Graziano

by Daniella DeRobbio

Sunday, October 25th 2020

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCIV) — In a post on his Facebook page on Saturday, Sheriff Al Cannon made multiple claims about the ACLU.

"The ACLU is spending over $100,000 attacking me and backing my opponent," he wrote. "The ACLU wants to eliminate the sex offender registry. The ACLU wants to defund police. The ACLU attacks Christians and supports neo-Nazi groups. The ACLU is backing my opponent. Those are just the FACTS (sic)."

In a statement to ABC News 4, ACLU SC Executive Director, Frank Knaack said:

Sheriff Al Cannon, Charleston’s top law enforcement official, is claiming that the ACLU has endorsed and is fundraising for his opponent.

The ACLU does not endorse candidates. What we do support, however, is meaningful criminal justice reform that deeply impacts our lives. This reform includes banning no-knock warrants, ending Charleston’s 287g agreement which promotes the separation of families through deportation, increasing community oversight and accountability over law enforcement, and ending racial bias in policing. Most Charleston county voters agree with our position on these issues, and they deserve to make an informed choice in this election, which is why we’re educating them on the candidates’ positions.

We will never back away from our work to guarantee that Charleston's public safety system ensures the safety and well-being of all.

On Sunday, Sheriff Cannon's Democratic opponent, Kristin Graziano, released the following statement:

I am surprised at his attack on the ACLU, and I don’t understand why he is making those accusations. We filled out the same questionnaire, and I have no control as to how that organization choses to inform voters on the issues and how we are different. In all honesty, I don’t think his dirty attack makes him or his supporters look good, because he’s spreading falsehoods. People know exactly what I stand for: integrity, transparency, and honesty. I look forward to serving and protecting Charleston County as its first new sheriff in 32 years.

"These desperate and false attacks against the ACLU show how afraid Al Cannon is of the momentum Kristin Graziano is building," Lauren Brown, the communications director for the South Carolina Democratic Part said. "And he should be. His position and approach to public service are completely out of touch with the voters of Charleston County and why Lowcountry Democrats are excited to elect Kristin as their next Sheriff."

Maurice Washington, the chair of the Charleston County Republican Party, told ABC News 4 that despite the ACLU's claims "It's not secret that the ACLU supports Kristen."

Washington called Sheriff Cannon, "solid" and "the best in the business."

ABC News 4 has reached out to Sheriff Al Cannon for comment. We have not yet heard back.