Republicans race towards DA primary
9:21 p.m. Thursday, July 31, 2008
Eric Rucker and Robert Hecht have a few similarities. They both graduated from Washburn University's School of Law, and both believe there is too much crime in Topeka. However, in the Republican Primary race for Shawnee County District Attorney, that is where the similarities end.
Just ask them what's the primary job of the DA
"The purpose of the district attorney's office is to combat crime," Rucker said.
"The main job of the district attorney is to act as a lawyer to enforce all of the laws of the state of Kansas," Hecht said, "Whether they be criminal laws or whether they be the laws of local government."
Rucker is the challenger in this race, facing eight-year incumbent Hecht for the seat of top law official in Shawnee County.
"It is the idea that we can make Topeka a better place to live if in fact we attack violent crime," Rucker said. "That will be my number one priority. That's the reason I am running."
Though Rucker is facing an incumbent, he is far from being an underdog. He has practiced law for about 15 years after graduating from Washburn University in 1981. Currently, he works as the Chief Deputy District Attorney in Johnson County. Rucker was recently endorsed by the Friends of Police, which is a group of active and retired officers.
Rucker said his opponent spends too much time on civil cases. Hecht is currently suing the city over what he says is the illegal purchase of a police helicopter and software program. Rucker said Hecht is not using the office properly.
"With the serious criminal problems we have in Topeka today, the top priority of the DA must be fighting crime," Rucker said. "These other matters are in fact attended to, not the main purpose of the district attorney's office."
Though Rucker may not be an underdog, he does face a formidable foe in current Shawnee County District Attorney Robert Hecht. He says one of his main advantages is name recognition.
"I have been district attorney for the past eight years," Hecht said. "I have built a substantial record in improving the prosecution of criminal cases."
Hecht has practiced law for about 50 years and adds that he tried the first capital punishment case in Shawnee County History.
Though Rucker received the Friends of Police endorsement, Hecht says that accounts for less than 10 percent of the current police force.
Hecht says Topeka needs "experienced prosecutors, not politicians," and is very concerned about where Rucker's support is coming from.
"Why are the political figures in Johnson County so interested in the Shawnee County District Attorney's office," Hecht asked of Rucker's supporters. "More than half of Mr. Rucker's financial support has come from out of county."
But at the heart of the race, and the most important thing both candidates want you to know is who would do a better job making sure laws are followed in Shawnee County?
"I have the experience necessary to get the job done," Rucker said. "I have a history of working well with Law enforcement. We'll once again be a team fighting crime in Shawnee County."
As for Hecht: "We promised them that we would exercise our responsibilities without favor and without fear of political repercussions. We've done that. We'll continue to do that."
Post a comment
(Requires free registration.)