SYRACUSE -- A candidate for Onondaga County Sheriff is taking heat this week, according to an article in Friday’s edition of the Syracuse Post-Standard.

The article, which can be read here, says someone posted racist and sexist comments under Joseph Price's name on Syracuse.com last year. Price denies his involvement in the postings. Friday morning, the Onondaga County Democratic Committee announced it would no longer actively invest resources toward his candidacy.

Here is the complete statement from the committee:

“Concerning the actions and admission of Joseph Price, the Democratic candidate for Onondaga County Sheriff as reported in the 9/24 Post Standard, the Onondaga County Democratic Committee (OCDC) will no longer actively invest resources toward his candidacy.

The OCDC has no jurisdiction to remove Mr. Price's name from the November ballot under the Democratic Party, as this is governed by NYS election law. However, the OCDC does have the discretion of providing or denying candidates access to its resources.

Mr. Price unequivocally denied to the Chairperson his involvement in said postings during the candidate vetting process and in subsequent questioning.

The Democratic Party has always been based on inclusiveness, equality and respect for all. The office of Sheriff deserves credibility and integrity.

The OCDC will not actively expend party resources associated with Mr. Price's candidacy for Sheriff."

Price defeated Toby Shelley in a primary earlier this month and is running against Shelley and incumbent Republican Kevin Walsh in the November 2 general election.