Cheek quells candidacy rumors
By John Stevenson : The Herald-Sun, Nov 2, 2006 : 11:54 pm ET
DURHAM -- County Commissioner Lewis Cheek said Thursday he did not intend to make an "end run around the ballot box" when he became a candidate for district attorney, only to announce later he would not serve if elected.
"If what I did was wrong, so be it," a visibly choked-up Cheek told reporters at a downtown news conference.
"I can live with that," Cheek added. "It's not about me."
If Cheek wins the balloting for district attorney in Tuesday's general election, the governor would have to select a replacement for him.
Still, many support Cheek on a "recall-Nifong" basis, largely because they don't like District Attorney Mike Nifong's handling of the Duke lacrosse rape case.
Cheek said Thursday that voters should not fear a gubernatorial appointment to the chief prosecutor's chair.
"Can you think of any reason why Gov. [Mike} Easley would not look high and low to find the best person?" he asked. "What do you think Gov. Easley wants his legacy to be?"
Cheek said he called his news conference Thursday because of a newly surfaced rumor that he might change his mind and take the district attorney's job after all, assuming he is chosen by voters.
"It doesn't matter how many votes I get on Tuesday," he said, not for the first time. "I will not take the job. ... I cannot, and will not, take the position."
He had said earlier that responsibilities to partners and employees makes it impractical to abandon his private law firm.
Cheek expressed disgust with the nature of the campaign involving him, Nifong and a third candidate -- local Republican Party chairman Steve Monks.
Even though Cheek says he will not serve, his name will be on Tuesday's ballot because some 10,000 voters petitioned in June that it be put there. Monks did not obtain enough petition signatures and is running on an unaffiliated, write-in basis.
"I've seen, heard and experienced the ugliness that causes so many people to be put off by politics and probably to hate politicians," said Cheek.
According to Cheek, rumor, innuendo and "outright lies" have marked the race.
"It's truly sickening, and it makes me sad," he said.
"This election is not about race," Cheek added. "It is not about money. It is not about party politics. It is not about Duke lacrosse . This is about honesty, integrity and respect for the rights of all citizens in Durham. If you are not satisfied [with Nifong], then you should say that with your vote."
Nifong could not be reached for comment Thursday.
Monks is expected to respond to Cheek's remarks in a news conference today.
http://www.heraldsun.com/durham/4-784454.html
"This is about honesty, integrity and respect
for the rights of all citizens in Durham."
Would Mike Nifong do the honest and respectful
thing for the good of the citizens of Durham, and
withdraw his candidacy for District Attorney?
But can he live with Monks not quiting becuse he said he wouldn't serve and Nifong endind up winning?
"Can you think of any reason why Gov. [Mike} Easley would not look high and low to find the best person?" he asked. "What do you think Gov. Easley wants his legacy to be?"
And just what will Cheek's legacy be?
Cheek is an asshole.