LINCOLN, Neb. - A man who owns a chain of adult stores in Missouri, Illinois and Nebraska wants do a little more than spice up couples' love lives: He wants to fight to protect their rights, too.
That's why John Haltom, known as "Doctor John," is running for city council in Lincoln, Neb.
The 41-year-old, who owns two Doctor John's stores in the city, told the Journal Star newspaper he has been an advocate of the First and Second Amendments since he was 20, and has even done jail time for defending his rights: He was convicted in 2000 of selling sexually explicit videos in Omaha, and of selling an adult video to a 17-year-old during a police sting in Salt Lake City.
The Ronald Reagan fan said he's never held public office before, but has spoken before council in various cities when he has opened new stores. He denies allegations he's campaigning strictly for publicity, and notes he's collected the needed signatures and filed the proper paperwork. He realizes, though, that there are those who will not appreciate his chosen profession.
"There's always a Bible-thumper, but you know what, they have a right to express their opinion and I don't wanna deny them that," he told the newspaper.
