Barger, Washington sheriffs endorse Dunn

Adams County Sheriff Doug Barger, along with nine sheriffs, prosecutors and the Executive Director of the state’s largest law enforcement organization, have released a statement criticizing Attorney General candidate Bob Ferguson, and endorsing Reagan Dunn.

“When it comes to law enforcement and criminal justice, we rely on the Attorney General to be a strong voice in state government. There is no other state official whose job description requires him to focus on the priorities of local law enforcement. That dedication to public safety is critical,” the statement reads. “When it comes to leadership on criminal justice, the Attorney General should have the strongest voice in the state.

“That is why we are increasingly concerned to hear Bob Ferguson, a candidate for Attorney General, dismiss cracking down on criminal activity as largely irrelevant to the Office of the Attorney General,” the statement continued. “Mr. Ferguson has repeatedly ignored and rejected the public safety and prosecution responsibilities of the office.”

The statement continues in support of Dunn, “We have endorsed Reagan Dunn for Attorney General because he takes the opposite view. As a former U.S. Department of Justice official and federal prosecutor with experience leading teams of federal, state, and local law enforcement, he has a practical understanding of how executive leadership can deliver results on the ground. We are committed to public safety both in word and in deed; Our Attorney General should be as well.”

In addition to Barger, the statement is signed by Jamie Daniels, Executive Director of the Washington Council of Police and Sheriffs; Chelan County Sheriff, Brian Burnett; Whatcom County Sheriff, Bill Elfo; Benton County Sheriff, Steve Keane; Franklin County Sheriff, Richard Lathim; Spokane County Sheriff, Ozzie Knezovich; Spokane County Prosecutor, Steve Tucker; Walla Walla County Sheriff, John Turner; and Kittitas County Prosecutor, Greg Zemple.