By Shelley Kofler
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/kera/local-kera-663441.mp3
Dallas –
Longtime Dallas County Sheriff Jim Bowles wants his old job back. On the last possible day, he filed to run in the Republican primary. KERA's Shelley Kofler reports his candidacy unearths some old controversies.
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Jim Bowles served 20 years as Dallas County Sheriff before scandalous claims so tainted his 2004 campaign, that he lost the Republican nomination.
The FBI had investigated alleged kickbacks from a jail contractor, though charges were never filed. A grand jury indicted Bowles for misusing campaign donations. A judge threw out the indictments.
Bowles still steams when questioned about the allegations. He blames political enemies and then- Dallas District Attorney Bill Hill.
Bowles: It was sabotage. I'm gonna say that's past, it's prolog and if you want to talk about it talk to Bill Hill that was his folly. And he got creamed on it.
Bowles, now 78, believes voters will take his candidacy seriously because of his experience.
Bowles: I know the job and I know the jail
My priorities are to get the department back in the sunlight with its head held high.
In the Republican primary Bowles will face Former Irving Police Chief Lowell Cannaday, Cockrell Hill Police Chief Catherine Smit and Mesquite Police Lieutenant Charlie Richmond.
The Democrat who succeeded Bowles, current Sheriff Lupe Valdez, is seeking re-election.
In the primary she will face former prosecutor Peter Schulte, law enforcement officer Sam Allen, and one of her own deputies, Roy H. Williams.
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