Sheriff a ‘no’ for Homeland job

MILWAUKEE — The Department of Homeland Security said Milwaukee County Sheriff David Clarke is no longer a candidate for a position in the agency.

The conservative firebrand said last month that he was taking a job as an assistant secretary at the department, but the agency declined to confirm the appointment, saying it announces such senior appointments once the secretary makes them official.

Craig Peterson, a political adviser to Clarke, said in a statement that the sheriff notified Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly late Friday that he “had rescinded his acceptance of the agency’s offer” to join the department. The Washington Post first reported on Clarke’s decision.

The tough-talking Clarke, who is known for his provocative social media presence, is an outspoken supporter of President Donald Trump. According to Peterson’s statement, Clarke said he “is 100 percent committed” to Trump’s success and that he “believes his skills could be better utilized to promote the President’s agenda in a more aggressive role.”

A Department of Homeland Security spokesman said by email Sunday that Clarke is no longer being considered for a position in the agency.