For Immediate Release
September 21, 2009
Contact: Roger Salazar
(916) 444-8897

SACRAMENTO – Former Sheriff Lou Blanas today announced his endorsement of Captain Jim Cooper for Sheriff of Sacramento County in 2010.

"I am proud to endorse Jim Cooper as the next Sheriff of Sacramento County," Blanas said. "Jim's experience on the streets and his leadership both in law enforcement and as a city councilman make him the right person for the job. The residents of Sacramento County are clearly concerned about the impact of the economy on public safety. I've worked very closely with Jim Cooper over the years and I know he will make the right choices to protect the public during these tough economic times."

Cooper is running for Sheriff of Sacramento County in the June 2010 election. He has served the people of Sacramento County in the Sheriff's Department for more than 25 years. Today, he serves as Commander of the Sacramento Valley Hi-Tech Crime's Task Force investigating Internet crimes against children and identity theft. Cooper also serves as a founding City Council member for the City of Elk Grove. As Elk Grove's first Mayor, Cooper set the tone for how the city conducts business today, with transparency, accessibility, regional partnership and public engagement as the cornerstones for a successful government.

"I am honored to the support of former Sheriff Lou Blanas," Cooper said. "Throughout my 25 years in law enforcement my priorities have been to serve my community and protect those in need. We have some strong challenges ahead but with the help of Sheriff Blanas and our neighbors in Sacramento County, I know we'll be able to restore a sense of confidence to the Sheriff's Department."

Blanas was twice elected as Sacramento County Sheriff, serving in this capacity from 1998-2006. Blanas joined the department as a Captain in 1987 and was appointed undersheriff by Sheriff Glen Craig in 1993.