Dirty Politics: Sheriff Candidate's Sex Tape Leaked

Shaun Chaiyabhat

10:06 PM CDT, July 21, 2010

FAST FACTS:

• John Doolen had affair 9 years ago
• Audio recording of affair leaked, sent to all registered voters
• Businessman who leaked tape says he wants "anybody but Doolen" to win

(Bolivar, TN 7/21/2010) The race for Hardeman County Sheriff has taken a dirty turn after a businessman leaked a taped phone call between on candidate and his mistress.

In his first run for Sheriff, John Doolen faces the dirtiest in politics where no skeleton stays hidden.

"I was caught in an extramarital affair nine years ago by my wife, which is still my wife, she forgave me," said Doolen who calls it "desperation" and "the lowest form of politics you can get".

 
Businessman Larry Charles Bates sent the audio recording to all registered voters in the county.

Bates has ties to Doolen's two biggest opponents and spent money on both campaigns.

Bates said he sent out the tape because his company is investing in the region and he lives in the county.

In the letter sent to voters, Bates wrote the "R-rated" private phone was recorded when Doolen was working at the Whiteville Police Department. When reached by phone, Bates would not reveal who gave him the tape, but he clearly stated whom he hopes it helps: "anybody but Doolen".

Bates threw money into T-A Cook's campaign as well as incumbent Sheriff Delphus Hicks' primary. Doolen defeated Hicks in the Democratic primary and Hicks is now a write-in candidate. Hicks denied having any part in leaking the tape and said Bates no longer contributes to his campaign. Cook did not reply to attempts to reach him.

"I wonder why this man would stoop to try to destroy a family just over a sheriff's election," said Doolen who wonders why anybody would spend this much money, and devote this much time, to a rural sheriff's race. Now his family must work through a bitter election and revisit a bitter private affair. His wife said she will stand by his side.  FAST FACTS:

• John Doolen had affair 9 years ago
• Audio recording of affair leaked, sent to all registered voters
• Businessman who leaked tape says he wants "anybody but Doolen" to win

(Bolivar, TN 7/21/2010) The race for Hardeman County Sheriff has taken a dirty turn after a businessman leaked a taped phone call between on candidate and his mistress.

In his first run for Sheriff, John Doolen faces the dirtiest in politics where no skeleton stays hidden.

"I was caught in an extramarital affair nine years ago by my wife, which is still my wife, she forgave me," said Doolen who calls it "desperation" and "the lowest form of politics you can get". 

Businessman Larry Charles Bates sent the audio recording to all registered voters in the county.

Bates has ties to Doolen's two biggest opponents and spent money on both campaigns.

Bates said he sent out the tape because his company is investing in the region and he lives in the county.

In the letter sent to voters, Bates wrote the "R-rated" private phone was recorded when Doolen was working at the Whiteville Police Department. When reached by phone, Bates would not reveal who gave him the tape, but he clearly stated whom he hopes it helps: "anybody but Doolen".

Bates threw money into T-A Cook's campaign as well as incumbent Sheriff Delphus Hicks' primary. Doolen defeated Hicks in the Democratic primary and Hicks is now a write-in candidate. Hicks denied having any part in leaking the tape and said Bates no longer contributes to his campaign. Cook did not reply to attempts to reach him.

"I wonder why this man would stoop to try to destroy a family just over a sheriff's election," said Doolen who wonders why anybody would spend this much money, and devote this much time, to a rural sheriff's race. Now his family must work through a bitter election and revisit a bitter private affair. His wife said she will stand by his side.

LINK TO VIDEO:

 http://www.wreg.com/videobeta/3ab5d742-fc6c-4d31-b9f2-5e3a6901dc23/News/Dirty-Politics-Sheriff-Candidate-s-Sex-Tape-Leaked