Capt. Tom Tuma dropped his bid Tuesday for the Shawano County Sheriff Department’s top job, saying that a prolonged campaign for sheriff would not be financially sustainable.
Tuma was one of three candidates vying for the Republican nomination for sheriff in the Aug. 12 primary, along with incumbent Randy Wright and Officer Adam Bieber of the Shawano Police Department.
The winner will face Independent challenger Lucas Christenson in the Nov. 4 election.
Tuma’s name will still appear on the August primary ballot, said County Clerk Rosemary Rueckert, because Tuma’s withdrawal came a day after the deadline for filing nomination papers.
Tuma is asking that voters not consider him.
Tuma also cited the “current negative political climate,” as another factor in his decision to drop out of the race.
Since announcing his bid last month, Tuma had steadfastly refused to say anything critical of his primary opponents; even declining to say why voters should elect him over the other candidates.
Tuma also said he did not view his bid as a challenge against Wright.
“I was applying for a job,” he said.
Tuma said he entered the race because of the challenges the department faces in the form of increasing drug-related crime and difficult economic times ahead.
“It is my sincere belief that my ability to approach such issues in a multi-faceted manner would have been beneficial as we confront these issues,” he said. “My efforts in this area will continue with the sheriff’s office.”
Tuma also declined to endorse either of the remaining candidates.
“The sheriff’s office is a complex multi-million dollar a year agency. It has a lot of moving parts,” Tuma said. “It is therefore critical that leaders have a thorough understanding of how to apply these resources and how they interact.”
Tuma said the number one message he heard while campaigning was that people were looking to see unity among county officials and an end to division.
“In calling attention to the tone of ongoing debates it is my sincere hope that, as a whole, we can move forward with a positive spirit,” Tuma said.
Tuma said he understood many of his supporters would be disappointed with his withdrawal.
“They have my profound thanks for their encouragement and counsel. This decision was as difficult for my entire family as was the one to join the race. This truly was a family decision,” he said. “This early departure is simply an acknowledgement that a drawn-out race would not be in anyone’s best interest.”