GOP's McAtee Endorses Democrat Anderson For Sheriff
Schneider Spokesman Expresses Disappointment, But Not Surprise
POSTED: 1:22 pm EDT June 26, 2002
INDIANAPOLIS -- Former Marion County Sheriff Joe McAtee, who lost a Republican primary this year in a bid to return to the post, has endorsed Democrat Frank Anderson for November's sheriff election.
McAtee (pictured, left) announced his endorsement in a news conference with Anderson Wednesday morning."There are some people who are Republicans or Democrats regardless of what happens. I say that we need to look at the best person for the job," McAtee said."I think this man (Anderson) is the best person, and that's why I'm here," McAtee said.
The news was met with expressions of disappointment from the campaign spokesman of Lawrence Mayor Tom Schneider (pictured, right), who beat McAtee in a high-profile GOP primary for sheriff."It's disappointing because of all the things that the party has done for Joe McAtee," said David Brooks, spokesman for Schneider. "On the other hand, it can hardly be a surprise given his behavior."Joe promised -- on a number of occasions that I was present at -- that he expected he and Tom to get together after the primary, regardless of who the victor was, and show some party unity."Anderson, a former U.S. marshal in Indianapolis, said he was happy to have McAtee's endorsement as he prepares to face Schneider in the general election.
"There are a lot of people that believe in Joe McAtee -- the integrity and what this man stands for," Anderson (pictured, left) said. "I think that hopefully with his support of me, that will enhance my campaign."After McAtee lost the May 7 primary, he blamed Schneider's victory, in part, on negative advertising against him. That night, he told RTV6 that he was not bitter and had no regrets about the race.McAtee was leading Schneider in polls just a few weeks before the primary. But Schneider began gaining after his campaign released a TV advertisement charging that McAtee, when he was sheriff, presided over a record increase in the Marion County crime rate.Schneider and McAtee spent close to a combined $1 million in the GOP primary.The winner between Schneider and Anderson will replace Sheriff Jack Cottey, who is barred by law from seeking a third consecutive term.
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The news was met with expressions of disappointment from the campaign spokesman of Lawrence Mayor Tom Schneider (pictured, right), who beat McAtee in a high-profile GOP primary for sheriff."It's disappointing because of all the things that the party has done for Joe McAtee," said David Brooks, spokesman for Schneider. "On the other hand, it can hardly be a surprise given his behavior."Joe promised -- on a number of occasions that I was present at -- that he expected he and Tom to get together after the primary, regardless of who the victor was, and show some party unity."Anderson, a former U.S. marshal in Indianapolis, said he was happy to have McAtee's endorsement as he prepares to face Schneider in the general election."There are a lot of people that believe in Joe McAtee -- the integrity and what this man stands for," Anderson (pictured, left) said. "I think that hopefully with his support of me, that will enhance my campaign."After McAtee lost the May 7 primary, he blamed Schneider's victory, in part, on negative advertising against him. That night, he told RTV6 that he was not bitter and had no regrets about the race.McAtee was leading Schneider in polls just a few weeks before the primary. But Schneider began gaining after his campaign released a TV advertisement charging that McAtee, when he was sheriff, presided over a record increase in the Marion County crime rate.Schneider and McAtee spent close to a combined $1 million in the GOP primary.The winner between Schneider and Anderson will replace Sheriff Jack Cottey, who is barred by law from seeking a third consecutive term. Previous Stories:
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