Donna Neill

PHOENIX -- As was widely anticipated, former Maricopa County Attorney Rick Romley endorsed Tim Nelson over sitting County Attorney Andrew Thomas in the race for the position Romley held for 16 years.

At a press conference convened outside the county attorney's office in downtown Phoenix Thursday, Romley, a Republican who backed Thomas in his first bid for county attorney in 2004, announced he was supporting Democrat Tim Nelson, praising Nelson's qualifications and criticizing the incumbent.

"Initially, I did not have any intentions to endorse a candidate in the Maricopa County attorney's race," said Romley. However, he said, "too many disturbing phone calls" from area law enforcement officials regarding Thomas's policies led him to back his opponent. 

"I am formally endorsing Tim Nelson," said Romley.

Maricopa County Attorney Andrew Thomas released a long list of endorsements this afternoon. Thomas, who is being challenged by Tim Nelson picked up the endorsements from the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP), the National Border Patrol Council, Sheriff Joe Arpaio and the Phoenix Law Enforcement Association (PLEA).

Also announced today was the endorsement of several prominent Democrats and Independents, including Georgia Staton, Democratic nominee for Attorney General in 1990 and County Attorney in 1988; Jerry and Donna Neill, co-founders of the anti-crime community organization NAILEM; and Linda Kleiner, founder of Together Against Graffiti (TAG).    

Thomas added, "I'm gratified that leaders from across the political spectrum recognize my commitment to protecting our neighborhoods.  We need to continue to build on the progress we've made in reducing both crime and illegal immigration."