Baltimore County candidate takes issue with sheriff?s deputies in ad

The Republican candidate for Baltimore County executive said a campaign ad featuring his opponent violates a county rule that prohibits sheriff?s deputies from engaging in political activity while in uniform.

The ad features incumbent executive Jim Smith ? considered the favorite for Tuesday?s election ? Democratic state?s attorney nominee Scott Shellenberger and “recognizable” deputies in official county-issued uniform, said Clarence Bell, Smith?s challenger. He said the ad violates rules he pulled directly from the county sheriff?s manual and asked state prosecutors to investigate.