LEXINGTON, N.C. --- The Davidson County Board of Elections says former sheriff Gerald Hege can keep running for his old job. The Vietnam veteran pleaded guilty in 2003 for obstruction of justice during an investigation into the department.

The challenger, Angela Anderson, said that incident is why Hege shouldn't be allowed to run. The board found that since Hege had his record expunged, he was allowed to move forward. Now, he'll have to try and get support from those who don't think he has what it takes.

"He's kind of like a comic book character and we really need somebody that does what Hege does and does it with some confidence,” said Jacqueline Taylor who also wrote a challenge against Hege. “Because once Hege became a criminal he blew it for himself."

Hege says he’s going to stay true to who he is. "I'm who I am. I'm a tough guy. I'm a military guy,” Hege says. “I’ll run the same kind of campaign. I'm going to do the same kind of thing when I get back in office."

Hege will try and get her vote along with the other three candidates, incumbent David Grice, retired Sheriff's Office Lieutenant Greg Wood and retired State Highway Trooper Richie Simmons  

They will face off in the May primary.