SEQUIM — Kevin Paul Moore entered the race for Clallam County sheriff the same day he bowed out.
The Sequim resident registered Thursday with the state Public Disclosure Commission as a candidate to succeed Bill Benedict, who is not seeking a fifth four-year term.
Also vying for sheriff are Deputy Marc Titterness and Chief Criminal Deputy Brian King, both of whom work at the sheriff’s office.
Shortly after noon Thursday, two hours after receiving a Peninsula Daily News request for an interview about his candidacy, Moore responded in an apologetic email that he was withdrawing from the election.
“I fold,” Moore said.
“Marc Titterness & Brian King are two great candidates for Sheriff, & we are lucky to have them as members of our community.
“I do not wish to make a joke out of the Sheriff’s race.”
Moore said he had had “a very, very bad experience” involving the sheriff’s office.
“It has been my intention to move on, which has made some progress, however I seem to forget from time to time, & this time I was triggered right into a faux run for Sheriff,” Moore said.
“Thank you for reaching out, as it is a reminder that despite my experience, our law enforcement members are heroes in whom I support, & I do not need, want, or wish to make a mockery of the process any further.”
Moore said in a later email that he has notified the PDC that he is no longer a candidate for sheriff.
Candidates who collect contributions or spend money for campaigns or state publicly that they are seeking public office must register as a candidate for that office with the state Public Disclosure Commission (pdc.wa.gov).
Candidate filing week is May 16-20 for the Nov. 8 general election.
Candidates running for positions with annual salaries, such as for sheriff, pay a filing fee equal to 1 percent of the salary.
The candidate withdrawal deadline is May 23. The names of candidates who withdraw after May 23 are included on the ballot.
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Senior Staff Writer Paul Gottlieb can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 55650, or at pgottlieb@peninsuladailynews.com.
