PORT ANGELES — Clallam County Commissioner Mike Chapman has called off his campaign for sheriff. He won’t run for re-election for commissioner in two years, either.
“I’m closing the door to future races,” he said Monday in answer to a query from Peninsula Daily News.
“When you walk away from races like this, you’re slamming the door shut.”
Chapman first was elected commissioner for District 2, which encompasses Port Angeles, in 2000.
He won re-election unopposed in 2004. He is the lone Republican commissioner.
Chapman said all his campaign money — $18,000 in funds left over from his 2004 re-election and new contributions to his sheriff’s campaign — will be returned to donors.
None of it has been spent, he said.
“People can get their money back,” he said. “My treasurer is on vacation, so we’ll be waiting a couple of weeks.”
Sole candidate
Chapman had been the lone candidate for sheriff who had declared his candidacy.
The incumbent, Joe Martin, declined to comment on Chapman’s decision
As for his own future, Martin said, “It’s still my intent, but I’ve got to use that word until I actually declare it.”
