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Former LASD Commander Announces Candidacy For Sheriff In 2014

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — A former Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department commander will challenge Sheriff Lee Baca in the 2014 election.

Bob Olmsted, 62, announced his intent to run Wednesday in a statement.

"Olmsted wants to take his over 32 years of experience as a highly-regarded supervisor, as a teacher of criminal justice and, most importantly, as a law officer with the courage to stand up for what's right, and use it to bring back honor and good policing to the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department," the statement said.

Olmsted claims Baca is to blame for corruption and dysfunction within the department.

Former LASD Commander Announces Candidacy For Sheriff In 2014

"If there's ever a time to run, this is it. We've been in turmoil for the last five years that Sheriff Baca has been in office. We've had corruption scandal after corruption scandal," he said. "How much negativity do we need, how much embarrassment do we need, until we finally get change in the department and we get a true leader to step up and take his place."

A source told the Los Angeles Times that former Undersheriff Paul Tanaka is also getting ready to toss his hat in the ring.

Sheriff's spokesman Steve Whitmore said Baca welcomes challengers in the race.

"He believes in democracy and is convinced it will crystallize his record," he said.

Baca has been in office for the past 15 years.

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