County Attorney Race Heats Up On The Blogs

The East Valley Tribune published an online article about Thomas’ announcement in the midst of his Supreme Court challenge (whine) about the Arizona Bar investigation on his ethics as an attorney.

The original article is here.  But what is interesting is the tit-for-tat comments on who the best challenger is.

Here is a few examples:

This guy has done nothing to help the county reduce crime. It’s all been about his own publicity, which is why he and Arpaio seem to be joined at the hip. We need to get him out of office in November. Tim Nelson would make a great county attorney.

and

The only legal qualification to be a County Attorney is that the person be an attorney in “good standing,” which could partly explain why Thomas is trying so hard to avoid the State Bar’s investigation. How Thomas has misused his position is what voters should seriously consider when they go to the polls this November.

The role of a County Attorney is much broader than what is being suggested. The person is responsible for a very large office that is an integral part of county government. It’s the CA’s staff who go to court and assist the CA in executing that office’s responsibilities.

If you want, we can talk about the sheer loss of talent and the massive turnover that has occurred in the CA’s office since Thomas took office. Like any large organization, it’s the employees who make the office run.

Tim Nelson is a man of great ethics and character. He believes in upholding the rule of law and being accountable to the public. He is also an incredibly hard-working attorney who expects the best and most from others because that is what he gives to everything he does.

When was the last time you heard or read that about Thomas?

and on the other side you have these arguments:

Jackson, I don’t know where you get your information. As a legal advisor over the past 18 1/2 years Gerald has appeared in court numerous times from the Justice Court to the federal district court. That’s because most of the witnesses in criminal cases are police officers. Being a civil lawyer, I suppose your guy wouldn’t know that. Gerald has been on the prosecution team in several high profile cases. For example, he played an instrumental role in the trial of the undocumented immigrants that killed Officer Marc Atkinson in 1999. Do you want someone to run the County Attorney’s Office who knows the job, what it takes to hire, train and manage attorneys and support staff, successfully handled multi-million dollar budgets, and provided legal advice from the federal level down to the officer on the street; or a civil attorney like Tim Nelson who has never prosecuted those who burglarize homes, sell drugs, commit aggravated assaults and armed robberies?

and

Just like Thomas, Nelson has no prior experience prosecuting criminals. Just like Thomas, Nelson has not worked in law enforcement. Just like Thomas, Nelson raises most of his money from law firms. Vote for Nelson… Like Thomas, but a Democrat. Sorry.. just not enough for me.

Inexperience is inexperince when it comes to CRIMINAL PROSECUTION. And inbed with law firms … is in bed with law firms. Doesn’t matter the party affiliation.

An experienced prosecutor who built his career taking on criminals and who offers a distinct difference then the Thomas administration is Gerald Richard. He has my vote.

Interesting, the blog’s are heating up with this good debate of experience and character versus ethics and connections. What are your thoughts?