So what does this mean for the runoff in November for County Sheriff? Which candidate would be better on the matter of unfair discrimination and harassment? And when will the two candidates appear together for a forum in Mountain View?

@Gary - The Leagues of Women Voters of Santa Clara County will be holding a candidates forum for this county sheriff race. That forum is scheduled to be held on Monday, October 8th, from 7 - 8:30 PM, in Cupertino, at the Cupertino Community Hall.

Law enforcement is often characterized by a 'good ol' boy network' that expounds this kind of mentality & vitriol. Should come as no surprise.

'"Responding to Morrissey's statement, Sheriff Laurie Smith said his words only served to "distort and distract from his complicity with racist, homophobic, and sexually assaultive text messages."'

Despite that statement of apparent condemnation, Sheriff Smith appears to think this behavior is OK for an employee of hers: "Morrissey is still serving as a deputy in the department after being disciplined for sending the text messages, according to Winslow."

I wish the MV Voice would provide the relevant details related to what the discipline was. And, I wish Sheriff Smith would clarify why she continues to place her faith in a "professionally assaultive" employee by allowing him to continue in a position of authority.

Regardless of its commentary of Sheriff Smith's leadership abilities, I am concerned about my liability as a taxpayer. If I were a woman or a minority who got pulled over, visited, or interrogated by this person who has admitted to racist and sexist text messages, I would get an attorney who would have a field day with Constitutional protections. Everything Morrissey touches will be tainted from here-on-out. He cannot perform his job effectively. Apparently, Sheriff Smith is OK with continuing to pay him. Yes, Sheriff Smith, we can see through your '"latest smoke screen".' When you're both in the mud, neither of you can claim the moral high ground.

I support Sheriff Smith.
It is one thing to resign from a voluntary position and quite another to be terminated from employment.