To clarify for my supporters, both old and new, as well as media outlets inquiring about past rumors and accusations about me:
I want everyone to know that I’m not “running away” from anything. There are no “deleted emails,” “hidden documents,” conspiracies with foreign entities, or documents being eaten or flushed down the toilet. I intend to address these outright lies that have been said against my good name over the years.
1. I have never been arrested, convicted, or jailed for anything.
2. I have never lived in North Carolina.
3. In 1995, I was in the 5th grade; I am not a time traveler.
4. I have been accused of lying about my military service. I served in the U.S. Navy from 2002-2006, stationed overseas in Yokosuka, Japan, on board the USS Cowpens CG-63 during Operation Iraqi Freedom, and was decorated eight times. My DD214 form has always been available on my website in the biography section.
5. I have also been accused of being part of the Illuminati, which is total fantasy. However, I am active with Illinois Freemasonry (Scottish Rite). Despite the conspiracy theories, the organization is not trying to take over the world. We do not do strange things in coffins or run around nude in the woods. Freemasons focus on charitable activities within their local communities to better the lives of others. Many people join the Freemasons, including family members, law enforcement, workout buddies, cashiers at McDonald’s, political, and entertainment figures.
6. I am not an Israeli Mossad agent, but I am of mixed Ashkenazi Jewish heritage.
7. A cop abolitionist with an endorsement blog claimed I am affiliated with the FOP (Fraternal Order of Police). This individual is incorrect. Although I served in the U.S. Navy, have a deceased family member who was a CPD officer, and support reasonable fund reallocation for mental health services, I believe in keeping the police around and having them carry liability insurance. That does not make me “FOP.”
8. It is true that I love putting ketchup and mustard on hot dogs. It’s criminally delicious.
These are the things my detractors have said about me. However, I appreciate their free promotion over the years. This is really about my not just being remarkably handsome, but my skin color. Some voters in the Illinois GOP have told me they would never vote for me because of my mixed heritage, stating that I reminded them of Obama (which I do not see as a bad thing, and he is ironically my 7th cousin).
Despite this, I am a glutton for political punishment and love every moment of it, especially knowing my mere existence vexes my haters. I thank all of my supporters and followers for their continuous support in my political endeavors.