WASHINGTON PARISH, La. — You don’t have to look too far to know the race for Washington Parish sheriff isn’t over.
“There ain’t no quit in 'Country' and I’m not going to quit. They’re going to have to take it from me,” said incumbent Sheriff Randy “Country” Seal.
Since being first elected in 2011 Seal has never faced the type of political competition he is in now, especially from someone who doesn’t come from politics.
“I got out of the Marine Corps to avoid politics. I’m a complete political newcomer,” said Jason Smith. “I’ve always had a low opinion of politics in general and politicians specifically.”
Smith says he decided to jump into politics because he noticed a need for something new.
“I think people are just ready for something different and I recognized there was an opportunity to add value in that way,” said Smith.
Hoping for a fourth term, Seal points to experience as the needed value.
“I’m running for this job because we’ve done a great job. We’ve turned this office completely around,” said Seal. “I’ve been a good sheriff. I’ve been an honorable sheriff.”
Results from the October 14 election gave an idea of what voters think. Smith pulled in 42% of the vote. Seal followed with 34%, setting up a runoff.
“In some ways, I wasn’t surprised and in some ways, I was disappointed because I thought there was a chance we could wrap this up in the first round,” said Smith.
Both men are now working to convince voters.
“The score is zero to zero, we’re going into the fourth quarter,” said Sheriff Seal. “We’re working hard to win this game.”
Adding to the small-town politics, was a traffic stop Sunday night involving Seal. According to Franklinton Police, Seal was pulled over for running a stop sign and was given a warning by an officer. Since officers don’t have body or dash cameras, there’s no video. There’s also no written report.
“I’m not a bad guy, and it was just a traffic stop,” said Seal. “The guy did a good job, told him that he did a good job. I shook his hand and thanked him for doing his job.”
Both candidates have said they aren't focused on the politics though, just the job.
“I’m more focused on doing what I can to convince people that we’re the agent of change in Washington Parish and we’re going to start to move things forward,” said Smith.
“I’m going to ask people to give me a chance to serve them and finish out what you’ve let me start,” said Seal.
There’s a debate between Seal and Smith set for Thursday at 6 p.m. inside the courthouse in Franklinton.