I would agree with Francisco Rivero's allegations that Rod Mitchell's camp is practicing dirty politics if the only issue was the release of 30-year-old arrest records. After all, if Rivero revealed his criminal past to the sheriff's department and he was hired, it should be off limits.

But an ad supporting Mitchell indicates that Rivero's old record is relevant because he is currently taking assistance with his campaign from someone who is under indictment by the feds.

This appears to be a reference to Tom Carter, who Rivero befriended after announcing his candidacy for sheriff last year.

Rivero has not denied the friendship. Rather, he has stated that people in America are innocent until proven guilty. I certainly agree with Rivero on that point.

Since this friendship was established after the indictment, though, Rivero cannot claim that this is just an “old friend” he'll support “until proven guilty.”

Carter has been a prominent figure in the party of people that accompany Rivero to the debates. He also works in Rivero's campaign booths at local events and provides Rivero with a train to use in local parades.

Carter was rearrested last month by the Drug Enforcement Administration. Rivero has released a video of him embracing Tom Carter after his release from the DEA's custody.

While that case was dropped, charges are still pending in another DEA case and the prison sentence associated with Carter's alleged crimes will be huge if he is found guilty.

So Rivero called Mitchell “corrupt” for hugging his longtime friend Russ Perdock within an hour of the now infamous boat crash of 2006. If we all apply the same logic, wouldn't Rivero be “corrupt” for befriending a man under federal indictment for alleged marijuana possession and distribution?

Michele Gillies lives in Hidden Valley Lake, Calif.