The Cherokee County Sheriff believes the photographs that recently surfaced of him wearing an Ku Klux Klan costume at an 1980s Halloween party was politically provoked. Sheriff Roger Garrison has insisted he has no affiliation with the white supremacist group and admits that although the idea was inspired by Mel Brooks’ comedic classic Blazing Saddles, it was a “stupid mistake.” David Waters, Garrison’s opponent in the upcoming election, denies releasing the antagonizing photos to the press. 11 Alive reports:

CANTON, Ga. — Cherokee County Sheriff Roger Garrison says he believes the release of some old but embarrassing photos that have surfaced recently of him in a Klu Klux Klan costume at a Halloween party in the 1980s is politically motivated.

“I’ve been in office 20 years now. My reputation speaks for itself. I don’t have a racist bone in my body,” Sheriff Garrison said. “I have nothing to do with the Klu Klux Klan — never have. I know nothing about the organization.”

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