Sheriff candidate says hood wouldn't clash with badge - NBC Right Now/KNDO/KNDU Tri-Cities, Yakima, WA |

SANDPOINT, Idaho - A man who wants to be the next sheriff in Bonner County has hosted a cross burning with fellow members of the Idaho Ku Klux Klan. 

Shaun Winkler, 33, defends the act, calling it a historic ritual steeped in Christian roots.

Winkler has been a member of the Aryan Nations and is a KKK imperial wizard.

Winkler invited local reporters to attend the cross burning ceremony at his Priest River home last Friday.        

Winkler says his ties to white power groups would not influence decisions if elected sheriff. He promises to crack down on drugs and sex offenders.