LAKE COUNTY — Both Don Anderson and Doug Rhoades said they”re very pleased to be competing against one another in the runoff for district attorney.
Tuesday election results put them in the top two slots, pushing incumbent District Attorney Jon Hopkins out of the seat and runoff race on Nov. 2. The elect won”t take office until January.
Anderson had 37.8 percent of the votes, Rhoades got 32 percent and Hopkins had 30.1 percent with all 53 voting precincts reporting.
“I want to thank the people of Lake County who voted for me and had the faith in me,” Anderson said. “I”ll do my best.”
Anderson said he thinks the voters showed they want a change.
“I”m happy they thought I was the one who could provide the help and changes,” he said.
He attributes his success to a great campaign through community and family support, he said.
Anderson said he hopes to be elected to the office based on what he stands for, not what the other candidates do and don”t support.
He thanked Hopkins for 38 years of public service as a prosecutor and public defender.
“He needs to be credited for his lifelong public service,” Anderson said. “He”s not a bad guy. He”s a guy who”s just doing his best and it didn”t work out for him.”
Hopkins declined to comment on the election results and his plans for the future.
Anderson said he would meet with his committee and continue campaigning with public meetings and debates with Rhoades.
“The more people listen to the both of us, the more information they will have,” Anderson said. “That can only be good for Lake County.”
Rhoades said he looks forward to having a chance to compete directly with Anderson.
“Clearly, the voters were asking for a change, which is why they put the two non-incumbents in the top place,” Rhoades said.
Rhoades said he”s happy with the support he received and invited Hopkins followers to his campaign.
“I was somewhat surprised but very pleased,” Rhoades said. “I actually thought Mr. Hopkins would do better than he did. That was my first impression.” Rhoades said he plans to focus on the issues in the coming campaign during meetings and debates. He plans to work with the Deputy District Attorneys Association among other groups to get more support.
“Between the two campaigns, I think we can make a very good showing in November,” Rhoades said.
Contact Katy Sweeny at kdsweeny@gmail.com or call her directly at 263-5636, ext. 37.
