By Ray Stern
Gerald Richard, Democratic candidate for Maricopa County Attorney (pictured), today released a list of people endorsing him that included Paul Charlton, former U.S. Attorney in Arizona.
Charlton was famously fired by the Bush Administration in 2006 along with several other top federal prosecutors in what appeared a purely political move. He's now a partner at the Phoenix law firm Gallagher & Kennedy.
A Republican, Charlton's the only real surprise on this list of mostly Democrats, unions and immigrant-rights advocates.
Except for Mary Jo West, that is. But her name is only surprising because of its incredible irrelevence. Since when did a "former newscaster" have endorsement credibility with potential voters?
Here are the highlights of Richard's press release:
June 30, 2008
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE RICHARD RELEASES ENDORSEMENT LIST
Gerald Richard, Democratic candidate for Maricopa County Attorney, has released his list of major endorsements:
Phoenix Police Sergeants and Lieutenants Association
Southwest Regional Council of Carpenters
Sheet Metal Workers Local 359
AZ Building Trades
Communications Workers of America Local 7019
Paul Charlton, former US District Attorney for Arizona
Dennis Garrett, former DPS Director and Phoenix Police Chief
John Buchanan, Assistant Chief, Phoenix PD (retired)
Commander Ken Tims, Phoenix PD Organized Crime/Gangs Division (retired)
Jason Schechterle, Phoenix PD (retired)
Paul Johnson, former Phoenix Mayor
Leah Landrum-Taylor, state senator
Cloves Campbell, Jr., state representative
Steve Gallardo, state representative
David Lujan, state representative
Ed Ableser, state representative
Alfredo Gutierrez, radio host and former state senator
Lydia Guzman, Somos America
Patrick Kelly, Former Chair Phoenix PD Gay/Lesbian Community Advisory Board
Guru Roop Kaur Khalsa, Phoenix Sikh community leader
Carole Coles Henry, Phoenix Equal Opportunity Director (retired)
Mary Jo West, former newscaster
