Mike Julian, a candidate for the Rowan County Board of Commissioners, says he and candidates Craig Pierce and Jim Sides are not running as a group.

“Yes, Mr. Pierce and I are friends,” Julian said in an email to the Post. “Yes, Mr. Pierce has shown support of me, as have others within the Republican Party, because they believe in my message and my dedication to this county.

“Mr. Sides and I have NEVER discussed my campaign or his campaign. The only discussion I have had with Mr. Sides is to ask him for his support of my campaign. … I am my own man and I am running my own campaign for the betterment of Rowan County. …”

Julian was taking issue with a line in Editor Elizabeth Cook’s Sunday column that said the three men appeared to be running as a group.