News Flash
02-01-2008, 01:45 AM
Jeff Bell quits sheriff's race
One of the leading candidates for sheriff unexpectedly and without explanation quit the race.
In a short e-mail to supporters, Capt. Jeff Bell, a deputy with the Sheriff’s Office, said he was leaving the race for “personal reasons.”
Bell, a Republican, did not return phone calls seeking further comment.
Bell was fast becoming a favorite in the contest, having sewn up endorsements and campaign donations from some of the biggest names in local politics. Former Manatee County Sheriff Charlie Wells, District Attorney Earl Moreland and State Sen. Mike Bennett all had backed Bell. In fact, Bennett made his endorsement on Wednesday.
Bell, 46, raised almost $50,000 for the campaign.
He’s the third candidate to file for the office, then withdraw. Longboat Police Chief Al Hogle and former Sheriff’s Deputy John Herlihy also have dropped out.
The news was a shock to Sarasota County’s chief deputy Larry Dunklee, one of the three remaining candidates running for sheriff. Still, Dunklee said it doesn’t change his view of the race. He said he likes his chances with or without Bell in the race.
Dunklee and former Sheriff’s Deputy David Gustafson are the only two Republicans running to replace Sheriff Bill Balkwill, a Republican. Democrat Curt Lavarello, Executive Director of Sarasota's Coalition on Substance Abuse, has also filed.
Balkwill announced last year that he would not seek a third four-year term in office.
Source (http://www.heraldtribune.com/article/20080131/BLOG0142/49909953/-1/BLOG21)
One of the leading candidates for sheriff unexpectedly and without explanation quit the race.
In a short e-mail to supporters, Capt. Jeff Bell, a deputy with the Sheriff’s Office, said he was leaving the race for “personal reasons.”
Bell, a Republican, did not return phone calls seeking further comment.
Bell was fast becoming a favorite in the contest, having sewn up endorsements and campaign donations from some of the biggest names in local politics. Former Manatee County Sheriff Charlie Wells, District Attorney Earl Moreland and State Sen. Mike Bennett all had backed Bell. In fact, Bennett made his endorsement on Wednesday.
Bell, 46, raised almost $50,000 for the campaign.
He’s the third candidate to file for the office, then withdraw. Longboat Police Chief Al Hogle and former Sheriff’s Deputy John Herlihy also have dropped out.
The news was a shock to Sarasota County’s chief deputy Larry Dunklee, one of the three remaining candidates running for sheriff. Still, Dunklee said it doesn’t change his view of the race. He said he likes his chances with or without Bell in the race.
Dunklee and former Sheriff’s Deputy David Gustafson are the only two Republicans running to replace Sheriff Bill Balkwill, a Republican. Democrat Curt Lavarello, Executive Director of Sarasota's Coalition on Substance Abuse, has also filed.
Balkwill announced last year that he would not seek a third four-year term in office.
Source (http://www.heraldtribune.com/article/20080131/BLOG0142/49909953/-1/BLOG21)