DALLAS (WBAP/KLIF News) – The Dallas County Republican Party is demanding that Sheriff Lupe Valdez resign.
The moves comes amid reports that the Dallas County sheriff is interested in running for governor in 2018.
Party Chairwoman Missy Shorey said Valdez isn’t one hundred percent invested as sheriff anymore.
“The reality is we see our sheriff playing politics at every turn. And the worse thing about it is that she refused to own up to it along with our Democratic allies down there,” she said.
The party said its wants Valdez to step down immediately to avoid a loophole that allows a Democratic Party Committee to choose a sheriff candidate and bypass a primary.
“I am sure they’re figuring out a way to play with those dates and anyone who is a keen player of politics in Texas understands those ramifications,” she said.
County Judge Clay Judge Clay Jenkins and Commissioner John Wiley Price said they have no knowledge of Valdez’s intentions.
Valdez’ office said they have no comment regarding the resignation call and that its statement issued last week has not changed.
“The Sheriff is considering the next stage in her career. A letter of resignation was not submitted today. The sheriff will make a formal announcement when her final decision is made,” it said.
Attorney Pete Schulte is interested in Valdez’s sheriff spot if she does resign and said he believes the opportunity to avoid a primary is why she’s waiting to make an announcement.
“Her advisers had probably told her that ‘you have a better shot at handpicking who your successor will be by having just the precinct chairs, the executive committee, make the decision.’ If we have an election, the chances of you being able to hand pick your successor gets a lot less successful,” he said.
Shulte said its a plan that he feels is counter productive to democracy.
“It takes the voice of the voters away from both parties not just the Republican Party or the Democratic Party but both to choose and candidate in March. As we all know, the chances of a Democratic candidate becoming sheriff in Dallas County is very high,” said Schulte.
Schulte, Jenkins and the Republicans said a primary is the best way to replace Valdez if she steps down.
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