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August 23, 2012

Craig Jones

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Shepherd stomps Stubbs

Retired undersheriff Adam Shepherd’s smashing victory in the race to replace retiring Sheriff John Armer revealed the depth of north-south differences among Gila County voters. Running as a Republican, Shepherd wracked up such big margins in north-county precincts that he handily defeated former deputy Darrell Stubbs, who won most of the precincts in the south and Tonto Basin. Both candidates campaigned aggressively in both the north and south, but Shepherd came out on top, capturing 3,671 votes, 60 percent of those from Payson/Star Valley residents. Stubbs got 2,107 votes, only 42 percent of those from Payson.

Democrat sheriff candidates want to boost morale, overhaul budget

Van Buskirk, Jones disagree sharply with Republican rivals, only rarely with each other

Democratic candidates for the job of Gila County Sheriff Ray Van Buskirk and Craig Jones have taken nearly opposite policy viewpoints over their Republican challengers Darrell Stubbs and Adam Shepherd – but disagree with one another about very little.

Sheriff candidates clash in debate on budget, immigration

Candidates for Gila County sheriff duked it out last week at a Tea Party debate about stopping illegal immigration and using contract workers. The competition among four former sheriff’s office employees remains one of the most hotly contested races in the county. On Thursday, the debate included Democrat Craig Jones and Republicans Darrell Stubbs and Adam Shepherd. Democrat Ray Van Buskirk pulled out at the last minute, said Tea Party organizers.