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Incumbent holds strong in sheriff's race
Party politics proved not to be a factor in this year's sheriff's election as unofficial results showed incumbent Steve Simpson to be the winner in the race.Simpson ran as an independent after losing the Republican nomination to Greg Ahlemann in June.
Ahlemann finished third in the election with about 27 percent of the vote -- behind Simpson who had about 39 percent. Democratic challenger Michael George came in with about 34 percent of the vote.
Simpson said his apparent re-election shows that voters are "tired of party politics as usual" and are "voting for the person more than strictly along party lines."
He added that the race "proved that voters were looking at experience, which you need to do the job [as sheriff]."
A lack of experience was Simpson's main criticism of Ahlemann, who had served as a sheriff's deputy for 10 years with no management experience before declaring himself as a candidate in January.
Ahlemann mainly ran a one-issue campaign, speaking out against illegal immigration. He also frequently criticized Simpson for what the former deputy saw as a lack of morale in the Sheriff's Office and a lack of integrity for running as an independent after losing the Republican nomination.
Glenda Simpson, the sheriff's wife, said Ahlemann's "attacks were totally uncalled for."
She added that because of the way the Ahlemann camp used the word "integrity," her "children now cringe when they hear the word."
Glenda Simpson also said George ran a very fair campaign.
Steve Simpson said the results "show that people really are tired of negative campaigning."
He and his wife agreed that candidates should campaign on their strengths and what they will do to make the office better rather than use the race to negatively campaign against their competitors.
George, who works as the director of investigative services for the Recording Industry Association of America, said that although balancing the campaign, taking care of his family and continuing to work his regular job made things difficult, he is glad he has his job to go back to.
"It was a close race," he said.
He added he does not plan to run for office again.
A phone call to Ahlemann was not returned by the Times-Mirror's deadline.
Contact the reporter jrenn@timespapers.com
Loudoun chose the best man. Congrats Sherrif Simpson and thanks for running an upbeat campaign on real issues. Also, kudos to Mike George for being in the race and being a professional.
Posted by BTO
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