Spitzer Endorsement, OCDA Battles OC Human Trafficking

ORANGE COUNTY, CA — The vice chairman of the Orange County Board of Supervisors Monday endorsed board colleague Todd Spitzer in his bid to unseat Orange County District Attorney Tony Rackauckas.

The endorsement from Supervisor Shawn Nelson came despite their years of clashes on the board and his past support of Rackauckas, who is serving his fourth term.

Nelson did not make an endorsement in the June primary, but the rest of the Board of Supervisors endorsed Rackauckas, who was first elected 20 years ago.

"That's what's so beautiful about this, why it's so significant," Spitzer said of Nelson's endorsement despite his conflicts with Nelson over the years.

"We're both very strong-willed," Spitzer said. "But irrespective of our differences, from time to time we both agree on the premise that the office needs change and that Tony no longer is running that office."
Efforts to reach Nelson for comment were unsuccessful. But in a statement released by Spitzer's campaign, Nelson said he found Spitzer to be a "principled leader who cares deeply about the people and victims of Orange County."

The District Attorney's Office is "on the wrong track and deserves a fresh direction," Nelson said in the statement. "Poor leadership and decision making is denying the citizens the top rate agency they deserve. It is time for a change."

Patch has reached out to District Attorney Tony Rackauckas's office for comment on the above statement.

Meanwhile the District Attorney's Office will be meeting this week to talk about what is being done to end human trafficking and help victims in Orange County.

Come to Strike Out Slavery this Saturday and learn about what OCDA is doing to prosecute traffickers and help victims! https://t.co/j1aUp6kBUY
— Orange County District Attorney Tony Rackauckas (@OCDATony) September 10, 2018