Sheriff debate ratcheted up just a bit

Thursday’s analysis by Sheriff Ben Wolfinger of the four Republicans seeking to replace him in January accomplished at least one big feat: It got people talking.

And by “talking,” we mean cussing, agreeing, disputing, questioning, complaining and celebrating.

The most interesting race on the Republican primary election ballot features three candidates whose law enforcement experience lies primarily outside Kootenai County, and one candidate who has been a member of the Kootenai County sheriff’s office for nearly three decades. For those of you keeping track at home, that’s three outsiders and one insider.

In promising not to endorse any of the candidates, Ben’s analysis at the very least cast one of his captains, Kim Edmondson, in the most friendly light. Supporters of the other candidates sure read Ben’s piece as a ringing endorsement for Edmondson.

Because this race has been hotly contested for more than a year already, voters should not be unfamiliar with those four names on the GOP ballot. But the reaction, pro and con, to what the sheriff wrote about the candidates has elevated the debate, even as voters are now filling out their absentee ballots.

Debate is healthy. It raises awareness, even as it might encourage some to dig deeper into their trenches. A sheriff’s insights into the job are worth considering. But they still represent, by and large, just one person’s opinion.

Several residents have pointed out that Edmondson has received endorsements from Wolfinger’s two immediate predecessors: Pierce Clegg and Rocky Watson. Some have also noted quite passionately that in January, Bob Norris, not Edmondson, received the backing of the Kootenai County Deputy Sheriff’s Association. These are the very people who work with Edmondson day in and day out and, some would say, have the broadest insight into whether the Clegg to Watson to Wolfinger baton should be handed off to Edmondson or if it’s time for someone with a different background and fresh eyes to take over.

Voters, it’s your call.