The Hamilton County Republican Party and Democratic Party have been exchanging harsh words over radio advertisements that the GOP is calling “negative” and “personal” in regard to Republican sheriff candidate Jim Hammond.

“What was once a civil campaign in which each of the candidates presented their credentials and experience to the voters of Hamilton County has now degenerated into a personal attack against Jim Hammond,” Connie Weathers, chairwoman of the Hamilton County Republican Party, said in a statement.

Ms. Weathers placed the blame for the ads on the shoulders of Democratic candidate Greg Beck, saying he has teamed up with “liberal partisans” for a smear campaign.

John Bailes, chairman of the Hamilton County Democratic Party, said Mr. Beck had nothing to do with the ads.

“These radio ads were produced and paid for by the Hamilton County Democratic Party, not Greg Beck, who knew nothing about them,” he said.

Mr. Beck said he was not notified that the ads were being made, though he said he discussed them with party officials after they began airing.

“In this regard, we operated separately,” he said. “That’s not my style.”

Mr. Bailes said the ads are necessary to inform the public about Mr. Hammond’s “high negatives.”

The ads, called “Flip-Flop Jim” and “Cadillac Jim,” discuss Mr. Hammond’s switch from the Democratic party to the GOP several years ago and his nickname during his tenure as chief deputy in the sheriff’s department. Former County Executive Dalton Roberts called Mr. Hammond “Cadillac Jim” because of what he saw as wasteful spending.

Mr. Hammond said he doesn’t understand where that nickname came from.

“I can’t recall an issue where (overspending) happened,” he said.

Mr. Hammond has called himself “the guy to beat” in the race. He is the money leader by far, having raised six times more than Mr. Beck, who is in second place in fundraising, according to campaign finance reports.

A postcard comparing Mr. Hammond to former Sheriff Billy Long, who pleaded guilty in May to money laundering, gun, drug and extortion charges, has been arriving in some Hamilton County residents’ mailboxes, as well.

The postcard has no information on it regarding who sent it or paid for its distribution.

Bobby Wood, one of Mr. Hammond’s campaign managers, said the campaign was not officially responding to the postcard, though he did say it was “crudely done.”

“It’s a stealth move,” he said.

Independent candidates Jim Winters and Tim Akins and write-in candidate Fred Fuson also are running for the office. Election day is Thursday.

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