A candidate in one of this year’s high profile elections in western Massachusetts has dropped out and endorsed a former rival.
Jack Griffin, a retired addiction specialist, exited the race for Hampden County Sheriff, and announced he was “100 percent behind Tom Ashe,” a fellow Democrat.
Griffin attributed his endorsement to Ashe’s plan to open unused beds at the county jail for people under court order to obtain treatment for substance abuse.
"To have somebody who I believe out of all the candidates has a like-minded soul, I firmly know I am supporting the right candidate," Griffin said at a news conference Thursday at the Ashe Campaign Headquarters in Springfield.
Ashe said Griffin’s endorsement is a big boost to his campaign.
Griffin’s departure leaves three candidates competing for the Democratic nomination: Ashe, Mike Albano and Nick Cocchi.
The Democratic primary is Sept. 8.
An independent, James Gill, and Republican John Comerford are also running to succeed Sheriff Mike Ashe , who is retiring after 40 years.
