Salt Lake County Sheriff Aaron Kennard was expected Wednesday afternoon to endorse Republican candidate Nancy Workman in the race for Salt Lake County mayor.
Both of the unions in the sheriff's department and the Salt Lake County Fire Department have unanimously endorsed Workman's rival, Democrat Karen Crompton.
"We feel that Karen Crompton is the best candidate for mayor," said deputy Glenn Poret, chairman of the endorsement committee for the Salt Lake County Sheriff's Employee Association.
Members of the sheriff's union do not believe there will be any problems with the sheriff endorsing one candidate and employees endorsing another, Poret said. He said it will be business as usual around the department.
The union voted for Crompton because she's committed to the issues, Poret said.
"She understands the needs of the Salt Lake County Sheriff's Office," Poret said. "She's committed to preserving the office."
Crompton released a statement Wednesday saying she was "honored to have the support of sheriff's employees and county firefighters in this race."
Megan Holbrook, Utah Democrat party chairwoman, said Kennard should have concerns about his decision.
"I certainly hope the sheriff gets everything he wants in his next budget," Holbrook said.
Holbrook said there is too much partisanship in county government and that Crompton offered a strong bipartisan effort.
Kennard was unavailable for comment Wednesday morning prior to his afternoon news conference.
"I'm really pleased about it," Workman said of the sheriff's endorsement. "I want to be very tough on crime and drugs. I believe in preventive programs."
Workman said she is also supportive of Kennard's D.A.R.E. program, an anti-drug effort aimed at children.
As for not being endorsed by the union, Workman said she is not concerned. She said the union has different issues, such as collective bargaining, than the sheriff does.
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