I think it's preposterous, for the reason above.A past "criminal" record, especially if the crime is clearly one where they were charged much more harshly than they should have been, because of racial discrimination, or one that they committed a long time in their past, should not hinder them from being permitted to run for an elected position. They're just running, they're not being handed the position without having to stand up and explain their platform and any past problems with the law. I think a voting public can judge whether someone who has a felony is capable of holding the position of Sheriff-- if they're not, I would think the electorate would vote against them. But we need to allow people to make that decision.