Roache Gains Hoobler’s Backing in Race for Sheriff

A former San Diego police chief and candidate for sheriff pledged his support Wednesday morning for Sheriff’s Capt. Jim Roache’s bid to succeed longtime Sheriff John Duffy.

Ray Hoobler, a candidate in last month’s primary election, in which he garnered 12.5% of the vote, announced his endorsement of Roache at the county administration building.

Roache will meet Jack Drown, an assistant sheriff, in a November general election to determine who will succeed Duffy as the county’s first new sheriff in two decades.

“Jim Roache and I recognize the need and share the determination to bring fundamental change to the Sheriff’s Department. We believe under the current leadership, which includes his opponent, Mr. Drown, that service has deteriorated, the public has lost confidence in the department and there is evidence of gross mismanagement of their resources,” said Hoobler, who campaigned in his bid for sheriff against the Duffy-Drown alliance.

Roache is running his campaign against the legacy of Duffy, and Drown is running on the strength of Duffy’s endorsement and the sheriff’s political fund-raising machine.

“Ray has obviously strong support in the city because he is a long-time resident and was police chief. He has major contacts within the city, as well as being recognized countywide,” Roache said.

“I will call upon my supporters to rally behind Jim’s campaign,” Hoobler said. Roache said Hoobler has agreed to play an active role in the race by making personal appearances on his behalf and serving as an adviser.

“I really don’t know if Hoobler’s endorsement is indicative of any automatic transfer of support,” Drown said after hearing about the endorsement. “I don’t plan to make any changes in my campaign because of this.”

“I don’t think this is a key endorsement. Those come from rank-and-file people, like those in the department,” said Drown, who was pledged support by the 1,200-member San Diego County Sheriffs’ Assn. in March.

Hoobler served about 25 years on the city police force, serving as police chief from 1971 to 1975. He resigned under fire because of allegations that he had lied about reviewing confidential files of police counselors.

“That was many years ago,” said Roache, who said he does not think the incident will affect the election. Hoobler now owns a travel agency and security consulting business.