John R. Newsome

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John Newsome is the U.S. state of Colorado's 4th Judicial District Attorney. He was first elected in 2004, defeating Dan May 57-43. May is challenging Newsome for the Republican nomination in 2008.

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[edit] Achievements

Newsome created the Special Victims Unit, which focuses on prosecuting violent crimes against especially vulnerable victims. He has also partnered with other law enforcement agencies to form LIMIT (Local Interagency Methamphetamine And Identity Theft Task Force) to combat methamphetamine and identity theft.[1] His office also prosecutes a record number of felony cases, approximately 150% more than his predecessors did.

[edit] Awards

Since taking office, Newsome has received numerous distinctions and awards, serving as President of the Colorado District Attorneys' Council since early 2008.[2] On September 11, 2007, Colorado Governor Bill Ritter tapped Newsome to serve as part of a small group dedicated to studying the best ways to collect, preserve, and analyze DNA evidence.[3]

[edit] 2004 election

In 2004, Dan May was the hand-picked successor to incumbent district attorney Jeanie Smith, and widely considered a "shoo-in" to replace her. Consequently, many people were surprised when Newsome announced his candidacy for the Republican nomination.[4] The contest was marked by contention, most notably when Smith demoted Newsome in the middle of the primary campaign. Smith maintained that politics had nothing to do with her decision, but Attorney Dan Kay said, "This is all about politics.... Dan May's fingerprints are all over this."[5] Newsome ultimately defeated May by about 15 points.

[edit] 2008 election

Newsome was expected to run unopposed for re-election in the 2008 election,[6] but after news reports alleged that he had been seen consuming alcoholic beverages in bars then driving off in his county-owned vehicle,[7] Dan May announced he would run,[8] and collected enough signatures to get on the Republican primary ballot.[9] KOAA TV, which claims to have filmed Newsome drinking before driving, has yet to release the full tape.

[edit] Notes

  1. ^ Colorado District Attorneys' Council Announces Election Of New Leadership
  2. ^ DA and Assistant DA Appointed To Executive Committee
  3. ^ 2007 Annual Report
  4. ^ Make My DA: Showdown For Top Cop
  5. ^ DA Candidate Newsome Demoted
  6. ^ Newsome: 'I sincerely apologize', The Gazette, 2008-05-06
  7. ^ News First Investigates D.A. drinking during work hours, later drinking and driving, KOAA, 2005-05-06
  8. ^ Fellow Republican To Run Against District Attorney Newsome, KKTV, 2008-05-15
  9. ^ Dan May Will Likely Go Head To Head With John Newsome, KKTV, 2008-05-27