A third Virginia sheriff has shifted his political position from being a Democrat to become a Republican, based on The BizPac Review.

“I am changing to the Republican Party because of the relentless attack on law enforcement by Democrats in Richmond and Washington. My deputies work hard to serve and protect the citizens of Smyth County,” Sheriff Chip Shuler said.

“As sheriff, it has been difficult to watch my deputies try to move forward during this unprecedented assault on our profession,” he said in a press release. We remain an honorable profession and shouldn’t be judged by the terrible acts of a few.”

“I congratulate Sheriff Shuler on taking this bold move to leave the Democratic Party and join the Republican Party. We’re thrilled to have him as a member of the Republican Party in Smyth County.”

“My profession is a massive part of my life and I believe it to be my calling. I’ve said it many times but the Democratic Party that we know now is no longer the party that my grandfather was involved “

“The ideologies of the party have changed away from these traditional values. At present, the Democratic Party is going against what I stand for, pushing for defunding the authorities and the taking away of defenses which were put in place for us.”

After much prayer, thought and deliberation, I am giving my resignation for the Tazewell County Democratic Committee. I appreciate the friendships and support I have had through the years by being affiliated with this party.”

“[H]owever, I feel the Democratic Party’s interests, especially on the state and national levels, have continued to rapidly go in the opposite direction of the beliefs that my wife and I share.”

“On Father’s Day, he recalled seeing Democratic protestors in front of the Tazewell County Courthouse holding an upside-down American flag and waving signs saying’Defund law enforcement. ”’

“I’m not saying our locally elected Democratic officials are bad. What has upset me is on the state and national level. I think our locally elected Democrats truly care for our people in Tazewell County, but the ones in the state and national level do not care about our citizens,” Hieatt stated.

“Some of the more controversial bills banned no-knock warrants, limited the offenses for which an officer can stop a person while driving, limited the types of weapons and equipment police could use and established a process by which a department could be partially defunded if the state deems that they have engaged in biased policing.”

Virginia Democrats even tried to finish qualified immunity but finally failed just because a few moderate Democrats in the Virginia Senate voted against it.

“It’s not surprising in the slightest that these law enforcement professionals would change parties. Virginia Democrats have made it clear that they stand with criminals, not law enforcement and victims.”
“I can’t imagine how difficult it would be to defend that agenda while still promising to serve and protect local residents.”