Mahoney, Hanson Face Off In Sheriff's Race
First Open Election For Position In Decades
Posted: 8:59 pm CDT June 20, 2006
MADISON, Wis. -- For the first time in decades, there is no incumbent and two candidates want to be the next Dane County sheriff.
VIDEO: Watch The ReportDetective Dave Mahoney, a Democrat running for sheriff, was the youngest deputy ever hired in Dane County.Mahoney's mother was on hand to help kick off his campaign in Middleton. She was also instrumental in helping him fulfill his oath to protect and serve -- which he took at 19.At the time, the legal age to buy a gun was 21."So I said, well I have a plan. So I went home and asked my mother if she'd come down to the gun shop and buy a handgun for me. And each day, at the end of the day, I'd give it back to her and asked to borrow it the following day as I went to work," Mahoney recalled.While Mahoney's mom was helping him, Mike Hanson, a Republican running for sheriff, was inspired by watching his respected and legendary father.Chief Ralph Hanson guided the University of Wisconsin Police Department through its most tumultuous years. He died in 1996 at the age of 67.Mike Hanson is not only the public information officer for the Madison Police Department, but also a county board member who helped usher in the traffic enforcement team."And that's what this job is all about, is being an administrator. It's not about diffusing bombs or running to the gun calls. It's about managing resources," said Hanson.The diffusing bombs line may be aimed at Mahoney, as that is one of his current assignments."Mike Hanson is on TV everyday in his capacity as the public information officer, but I think the citizens of Dane County realize the difference between experience and P.R.," said Mahoney.Hanson responded to Mahoney's statement, saying Mahoney doesn't know his full record."It's really naive to throw a shot out like that because he doesn't know my full resume. And really, this race for me is about the high road. My father built the high road in this town, and I'm not going to fall off of it," said Hanson.Mahoney said he also plans to campaign with integrity, saying it is a characteristic he has kept for 26 years since his mom got him that first gun.Both candidates offer similar priorities -- starting with jail overcrowding and traffic enforcement.It is possible that another Democrat may enter the race, which would mean a primary race in September, WISC-TV reported.
VIDEO: Watch The ReportDetective Dave Mahoney, a Democrat running for sheriff, was the youngest deputy ever hired in Dane County.Mahoney's mother was on hand to help kick off his campaign in Middleton. She was also instrumental in helping him fulfill his oath to protect and serve -- which he took at 19.At the time, the legal age to buy a gun was 21."So I said, well I have a plan. So I went home and asked my mother if she'd come down to the gun shop and buy a handgun for me. And each day, at the end of the day, I'd give it back to her and asked to borrow it the following day as I went to work," Mahoney recalled.While Mahoney's mom was helping him, Mike Hanson, a Republican running for sheriff, was inspired by watching his respected and legendary father.Chief Ralph Hanson guided the University of Wisconsin Police Department through its most tumultuous years. He died in 1996 at the age of 67.Mike Hanson is not only the public information officer for the Madison Police Department, but also a county board member who helped usher in the traffic enforcement team."And that's what this job is all about, is being an administrator. It's not about diffusing bombs or running to the gun calls. It's about managing resources," said Hanson.The diffusing bombs line may be aimed at Mahoney, as that is one of his current assignments."Mike Hanson is on TV everyday in his capacity as the public information officer, but I think the citizens of Dane County realize the difference between experience and P.R.," said Mahoney.Hanson responded to Mahoney's statement, saying Mahoney doesn't know his full record."It's really naive to throw a shot out like that because he doesn't know my full resume. And really, this race for me is about the high road. My father built the high road in this town, and I'm not going to fall off of it," said Hanson.Mahoney said he also plans to campaign with integrity, saying it is a characteristic he has kept for 26 years since his mom got him that first gun.Both candidates offer similar priorities -- starting with jail overcrowding and traffic enforcement.It is possible that another Democrat may enter the race, which would mean a primary race in September, WISC-TV reported.Copyright 2006 by Channel 3000. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
