Hess, Boshart In Race For Sheriff
Brent Finnegan -- January 11th, 2011
Following Rockingham County Sheriff Don Farley’s announcement of retirement after 2011, Kurt Boshart, a lieutenant with the Harrisonburg Police Department, announced his intention to seek the Republican nomination to run for sheriff.
On Tuesday, C.M. Hess, a major in the Rockingham County Sheriff’s Office, made his run for sheriff official.
C.M. Hess, Don Farley on the courthouse steps Tuesday. Photo by Tim Estep.
In a prepared statement, Hess told a crowd of supporters gathered outside the courthouse, “While I do consider myself a conservative, I do not intend to seek either the Republican or Democratic endorsement. I am a cop, not a politician . . . I’m running for Sheriff as an Independent because law enforcement is about public safety and justice, not partisan politics.”
Farley, also an Independent, introduced and endorsed Hess at the gathering on the courthouse steps Tuesday.
On November 16, Pete DeLea reported in the Daily News-Record that Boshart has the support of several local Republican officials, like Sen. Mark Obenshain. Commonwealth’s Attorney Marsha Garst spoke during Boshart’s announcement, although Garst has not yet made an official endorsement.
Obenshain said he has faith that the HPD lieutenant can do the job, especially in tough economic times. In recent years, the sheriff’s office has seen cuts in state funding.
“Kurt is a guy that has his priorities straight,” said Obenshain.
Tags: Rockingham County, Sheriff
The Independent thing has worked for Don several times so this should be an interesting race. Both are strong candidates and both would make a good Sheriff. I’ve always supported Don so his endorsement does say a lot for Mr. Hess. I’m supporting Boshart but I wish them both well.
I’m not sure Marsha has endorsed Kurt.
As far as I know, you’re correct, Myron. I specifically avoided that word when I wrote that Boshart “has the support of” Garst.
From the DNR story:
Rockingham County Commonwealth’s Attorney Marsha Garst also spoke at [Boshart's] announcement but hasn’t endorsed a candidate yet.
“He’s a man of integrity and honor,” said Garst, adding that he’s not often the most vocal person but would never compromise his values.
Marsha has not endorsed Kurt.
I never stated that she did, but I went ahead and added “although Garst has not yet made an official endorsement” to the story to make it explicit.
I guess it looks like an endorsement….;O)….kinda, sort of……
Speaking of endorsements. Correct me if I am wrong, didn’t Garst and Obenshain endorse Greg Coffman? Those endorsements didn’t bring in a win. Maybe Boshart should think twice? When it comes to the party representatives, you either love them or hate them.
Mark and Marsha endorsing a city/county candidate is different than them endorsing a candidate for city council.
Endorsement or no, when was the last time a non-Republican candidate won in a race for a city-county office?
It’s not a rhetorical question. Who ran against Farley? Was it Kyger? Who else?
Buddy Farris…2003
Wayne Harper won as a Democrat or independent in 1999 for Circuit Court Clerk. I’m not sure if Weatherholtz ran as a party candidate before he ran for House.
Weatherholtz always ran as a Republican.
Myron Rhodes’ Quote:
“Mark and Marsha endorsing a city/county candidate is different than them endorsing a candidate for city council”.
Would you please explain the difference? Thank You.
The county is a 70-75% district…the city is almost 50-50.
Endorsing candidates in the city, especially ones like Coffman, are always more iffy.
On a percentage basis, Hess will do better in the city than county….hardcore democrats will vote against Boshart and for Hess thinking he has a better shot than anyone else…..
A third law enforcement official has thrown his hat in the ring. Bryan Hutcheson lives in Broadway, but is the chief of police in Woodstock. (DNR)
Well, that helps Boshart…..