Sharon Coolidge and Patrick Brennan

The Cincinnati Enquirer

CINCINNATI — Hamilton County Sheriff Jim Neil publicly apologized and distanced himself from Donald Trump Monday, a day after the Democratic sheriff attended a West Chester rally for the Republican presidential candidate.

During a Monday news conference outside the Hamilton County Justice Center, Neil apologized to Hamilton County residents and the local Democratic party, saying "it was selfish," and might have damaged local Democratic party election efforts by alienating supporters.

From Hamilton County Democratic Party Chairman Tim Burke to a Cincinnati city councilman, local Democrats widely criticized Neil's appearance at the Sunday rally. Neil said Monday he understood the criticism.

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"It was selfish on my part because I didn’t take into consideration the other candidates on the Democratic ballot that are going to be running with me because this could not just impact my votes, but it could impact the votes on anyone on the Democratic ballot. I want to apologize for my actions," said Neil.

"I’ve been a police officer since 1981. I was elected as sheriff in 2012. I’m still performing as a peace officer. I’m not comfortable in the skin of a politician. What you get with Jim Neil is what you get. I’m a public servant … public safety is my priority.”

Neil repeatedly said Monday he attended the Trump rally to show appreciation for Trump's support of law enforcement.

Neil wore his sheriff's uniform to the event, and told Enquirer staff at the rally, "I look for people who have the priority to serve the people." Trump is the best of the GOP field, he added.

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Still, Neil said he plans to cast a vote for Hillary Clinton and other Democrats in Tuesday's primary.

From the very first picture of Neil front in center at Sunday's rally in West Chester, there was an outcry from party members, said Burke.

"I thought it sent entirely the wrong message," Burke said. "This was a terrible mistake. It hurt a lot of people who have been fans of Jim's. A great many people are confused by his decision."

Cincinnati City Councilman Chris Seelbach expressed dismay over Neil's decision on Facebook: "So disappointing to see Hamilton County Sheriff Jim Neil, an endorsed Democrat, smiling and clapping at Donald Trump's rally in West Chester."

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Four years ago Neil defeated Republican Deputy Sheriff Sean Donovan, becoming the first Democrat to hold the job in 36 years. Neil beat Donovan 53.51% to Donovan's 46.49%. It was a surprising result given the David-versus-Goliath nature of the race, with Donovan raising $623,769 to Neil's $42,500.

Neil is up for re-election in November, facing two Republicans, lawyer Rich Vande Ryt and retired Cincinnati Police Officer Gary Lee.

"Frankly, it is hurting him politically," Burke said. "I think Jim has been a good sheriff the last four years — with a record that deserves re-election — but he is going to have to explain to an awful lot of Democrats what we’re supposed to think."

Follow Sharon Coolidge and Patrick Brennan on Twitter: @SharonCoolidge and @PBrennanENQ