'I Can, They Can't'--Sheriff Campaigning For Cousin Kaupas Wears Uniform In Parades, Forbids Opponents From Doing Same

The Will County sheriff isn’t seeking re-election but has been dressing up in his full uniform to get the vote out for his cousin, and his wardrobe choice has drawn criticism from the opposition.

“I just wonder what kind of message they’re trying to get across to voters,” Democratic sheriff’s candidate Mike Kelley said of lame duck Sheriff Paul Kaupas and his cousin, Republican candidate Ken Kaupas.

“I don’t know if they’re trying to bamboozle the voters into thinking Paul’s still running,” said Kelley, who also accused the sheriff of violating the department’s policies and procedures by wearing his uniform in parades.

Kelley is a sergeant and detective with the department. Ken Kaupas, a retired Illinois State Police captain, was hired onto the sheriff’s department by his cousin and was made deputy chief.

Paul Kaupas is not seeking a fourth term as sheriff but has worked to get his cousin voted into office. He disagreed with Kelley’s interpretation of the rules.

“Mike Kelley is full of s--t,” the sheriff said, claiming the Supreme Court cleared the way for county sheriffs to wear their uniforms in parades.

At the same time, Kaupas said, no other members of the Will County Sheriff’s Department are allowed to do so.

“I can, they can’t,” the sheriff explained, pointing out, “I’m the sheriff.”

Paul Kaupas said he plans to wear his uniform while appearing in three parades in support of his cousin this weekend.

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