LAKE COUNTY – The Lake County Deputy Sheriff’s Association (LCDSA) said Tuesday it will endorse incumbent Sheriff Rod Mitchell in his bid for a fifth term in this year's election.

The news came the same day as sheriff's candidate Marty McCarthy told Lake County News that he will drop out of the race.

"I am deeply honored to have the DSA endorsement,” Mitchell told Lake County News. “These brave and dedicated people demonstrate the highest levels of dignity and professionalism possible; I deeply admire and respect them for what they do and how they do it. I look forward to standing with them to face the numerous challenges that await our county and our state in the next few years.”

The LCDSA also announced that, due to none of the district attorney's candidates receiving enough votes, the group will not offer an endorsement for that office this year.

Mitchell, challengers Francisco Rivero and Jack Baxter, as well as district attorney's candidates Jon Hopkins, Doug Rhoades and Don Anderson all asked for the LCDSA's endorsement, the group said. McCarthy reportedly did not seek the endorsement.

Mitchell, Rivero, Hopkins, Rhoades and Anderson all appeared before the LCDSA in January for a candidates' night that was closed to the public at large. There the candidates answered questions from the group.

Over the past week, the LCDSA's 63 members with voting rights were provided the opportunity to cast their vote for any of these candidates, or alternatively to vote for no endorsement or to remain neutral.

The ballots were submitted in a manner that allowed for anonymity of the voting members and the votes were counted by LCDSA Board members on March 1.

In accordance with Peace Officer Research Association of California guidelines, a two-thirds vote was required to receive the LCDSA’s endorsement, the group reported.

Of 53 ballots that were cast, the final vote count was as follows:

Sheriff's race:

Rodney K. Mitchell: 44 votes

Jack Baxter: 3 votes

Francisco Rivero: 0 votes

Neutral: 1 vote

No endorsement: 5 votes

District attorney's race:

Jon Hopkins: 18 votes

Doug Rhoades: 16 votes

Don Anderson: 3 votes

Neutral: 8 votes

No endorsement: 8 votes

Lake County News was unable to catch up with Rivero on Tuesday for comment about the result.

Meanwhile, McCarthy said he was withdrawing from the sheriff's race due to not enough support to continue with the campaign. He said he'll return to developing his consulting business, coaching youth sports and serving in the church.

“I thank all of those who did support me in this very early stage of the election process,” he said in a statement released Tuesday. “I also thank those who showed courage while experiencing threats, veiled and otherwise. I curse the cowards that gave them.”

He called the LCDSA's endorsement of Mitchell was premature as the final candidacy filing isn't until March 12. McCarthy said he wasn't able to address the deputy sheriff's membership or the association representing the correctional officers.

Brian Martin, the LCDSA's spokesman, said none of the association's board received any communication from McCarthy. He said he couldn't address the issue with the correctional officers association, which is a separate group.

McCarthy said he found the zero votes for Rivero “interesting but expected,” adding, “I believe the real story in the vote is the DSA’s lack of confidence in the current candidates to solve the issues in the department.”

Baxter said he also was notified of the endorsement for Mitchell. “I can't say that I'm surprised and being a labor organization they have to err on the side of safety in order to take care of their members. I'm hoping that individual votes during the election will take another turn since no influence can be exerted on them.”

He added, “I'll continue to plug away and hope the voters are looking for strong leadership and positive change and not a continuance of the same old thing.”

Due to no district attorney's candidates receiving enough votes for an endorsement, the LCDSA said it won't offer an endorsement for that race at this time.

While no endorsement was offered, Hopkins said he was pleased to be the largest vote-getter among the deputy sheriff's in the endorsement process.

“I know it presents issues for the members when two of the candidates for district attorney are former members of their group,” he said. “It also demonstrates the independence of the district attorney and the separation of the roles each serve in the criminal justice system.

Hopkins said he knows many of the officers in the Lake County agencies recognize that it is essential to have the District Attorney's Office under the committed leadership of an experienced prosecutor.

“A strong prosecutor’s office will assure that crime in our county does not reduce our quality of life,” he said. “I am confident that as the campaign goes along, those who want to know more about the candidates’ records will be influenced by my integrity, professionalism and experience.”

Rhoades, who received the second-highest vote count, said he was grateful for the support he has received from within the ranks of the Deputy Sheriff's Association.

“I am also grateful that the vote was so close between the incumbent district attorney and me,” he said. “Assuming this is a reflection of voting public at large, we have a viable campaign that may well unseat the incumbent in June. Knowing that nearly half of the voting members who chose to endorse a candidate selected my name makes me, at the same time, both humble and proud.”

He said he'll continue to do all he can to assure the LCDSA and the citizens of Lake County that he has their best interests, “and promise of justice for all in my quest for the office of district attorney.”

In responding to the vote, Anderson said, “The association appears to be complacent and willing to keep prosecution at the same level, but that is not good enough for the people of Lake County. Hopkins as the district attorney and Rhoades as a public defender work around association members on a regular basis. The members are not familiar with my history or practice of law, which is devoted to individual citizens.

“The average citizen has lost confidence in the operation of the District Attorney's Office,” he continued. “I offer a commitment to change the very low conviction rate, waste of tax payer's money by unnecessary litigation and outdated policies, as well as back door politicking.”

Anderson said that, if elected, he will establish a citizens' advisory committee and maintain open communications with law enforcement and the public. “What distinguishes me from Hopkins and Rhoades is that if elected, prosecution and attitude towards the public will not be the same,” he said.

March 12 is the final filing deadline for candidacy paperwork in order for candidates to be on the ballot, according to Registrar of Voters Office calendar.

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