Write-in seen as viable threat

Brown: ‘Never take anything for granted’

The Ellis County Press

MIDLOTHIAN – With less than four weeks until the Nov. 4 election, the sheriff’s race is in full swing.

Write-in candidate Susan Welch-Rodriguez, who paid a $750 filing fee to secure a slot on the general election ballot, has been busy canvassing towns and meeting potential voters across the county.

Republican nominee Johnny Brown, who won the March 4 primary and later, the April 8 run-off, wants to keep his campaign strategy himself, but did take notice of Rodriguez’ campaign that "anything can be a viable threat."

Brown has appeared at numerous parades – often the same ones as his opponent – and said he will be plastering cities with signs and billboards.

Rodriguez and Brown are both from Midlothian, which statistically ensures victory if a candidate can clinch that crucial voting bloc.

"You never take anything for granted but I am the one that can run the sheriff’s department best," Brown said.

Rodriguez, who backed Brown’s two opponents – Steve McKinney on March 4 and James Ledbetter on April 8 – said her camp isn’t backing down.

"He seems like a nice man as far as I know," she said. "I [would] just rather be on foot shaking people’s hands and getting to know them better. I believe the county deserves a choice, a real option."