Sheriff Kelley Isn't Endorsed By Will County's Deputies

JOLIET, IL — Will County's two-term Sheriff Mike Kelley continues to run into major obstacles in his bid to win another four-year term in office. On Tuesday, the campaign of his challenger, Jim Reilly, announced that the Will County Deputy Sheriff's Union has endorsed his candidacy, rather than support Kelley.

In the June 28 Illinois Primary, Kelley received 4,400 fewer votes than Reilly. Both Kelley and Reilly ran unopposed in the primary, so they will square off in the Nov. 8 general election. Reilly is a Republican from Wilmington, while Kelley is a Democrat from Lockport.

Tuesday's news release was issued by Maurice Horn, president of the Will County Deputy Sheriff’s Union, which is Fraternal Order of Police Labor Council 738.

Reilly got 61 votes from Will County Sheriff's deputies, while Kelley got only 35 votes.

Horn's letter to Reilly s stated that "your continued commitment to the residents of Will County and law enforcement is something our board and membership stand behind."

“It is an honor to be supported by the Will County Deputies Union,” Reilly remarked in his news release. “I am proud to serve alongside these fine men and women daily, and I humbly accept their endorsement. I look forward to working with the deputies union to protect the rights of our law enforcement officers while providing the communities of Will County with the level of service and protection they deserve.”

Related Joliet Patch coverage:

Sheriff Mike Kelley's Re-Election Faces Serious Trouble

'I Will Blow You Up At Work,' Will County Jail Guard Faces 2 Charges

Will County Sheriff's Race: Jackie's Pub Donates To Kelley's Campaign