There seems to be little question that the law enforcement community in Island County supports Mark Brown for sheriff.

The question is whether this support will mean anything to voters who will choose between three well-qualified men vying on the Republican ballot to become sheriff.

The winner in Tuesday’s primary election will almost certainly become the next sheriff since the Democratic party isn’t even supporting beleaguered candidate Jay Wallace, the sole Democrat running for sheriff.

Brown, a retired state trooper, said he feels endorsements and campaign donations are significant, especially when they come from law enforcement officers.

“It shows that people have faith in you and trust you,” Brown said.

But Island County Jail Administrator William “De” Dennis and Coupeville Marshal Lenny Marlborough aren’t so sure. They both have said they simply didn’t ask for endorsements.

Brown has received endorsements and donations from about 20 members of the Island County Sheriff’s Office, about half of the Oak Harbor Police officers, the Washington State Troopers Association, four sheriffs in nearby counties and several emergency dispatchers. In fact, it was deputies who asked Brown to run for the office in the first place.

The reason for the support?

“A lot of them worked with me and they know me,” he said, adding that he’s “humbled and honored by this outpouring of support.”

By comparison, the other two candidates have scant public support from law enforcement.

The list of endorsements on Dennis’ Web site, www.dedennis.com, includes only two members of law enforcement — a retired state trooper and state patrol commander. He also received a $100 donation from former Island County Sheriff Owen Burt.

Marlborough’s Internet list of endorsements, at www.lennyforsheriff.com, only identifies one member of law enforcement — retired Oak Harbor Police Sgt. Ray Heltsley — but he also said he was endorsed by former Oak Harbor Police Chief Tom Miller. He received a $400 donation from “retired police officers” Cheryl and Bud Hansen, his PDC form states.

Marlborough said he wasn’t disappointed.

“The only endorsement that I’m seeking is the one from the voters,” Marlborough said.

Nevertheless, Marlborough said the endorsements he’s received which he feels are most significant are from Central Whidbey Fire and Rescue, former Langley Mayor Lloyd Furman, and Chief Miller.

Marlborough said he doesn’t feel it’s very significant that so many members of law enforcement support Brown.

“Look at how many haven’t endorsed him,” he said.

Yet Brown said that, for the most part, he didn’t seek out endorsements, but that police officers and many others came to him and offered their support.

Dennis could not be reached for comment this week.

Dennis’ Web site lists more than 50 people who endorsed him, including seven retired Navy men. He also has support from an interesting mixture of Republican precinct committee members and well-known Democrats.

When it comes to monetary support, the candidates are pretty close to one another, though Brown technically leads when it comes to contributions from the community.

Brown has about $17,400, but that includes $5,700 in loans from himself and family members. Recent contributors include Island County Deputy Scott Fague, Dr. Paul and Susan Zaveruha, Deputy Robert Davison and Oak Harbor Police Detective Lisa Jenne.

Dennis has a whopping $30,000, but $16,000 comes from loans and he donated at least $4,000 to himself. He spent $15,000 on professional services from Bainbridge Island’s Gilpin Group, a political affairs consulting firm.

He recently received donations from Ann McDonald, Greenbank general contractor; Oak Harbor oral surgeon Gary Solberg; and Oak Harbor High School JROTC teacher Thomas Black.

Marlborough received about $10,000 in contributions. Recent contributors include Oak Harbor attorney Mark Theune, Oak Harbor residents Sig and Kay Harbak, and Coupeville resident Maggie Lyen.

Next Tuesday night, the many contributors may have a better understanding of whether their support helped their favorite candidate become the next Island County sheriff.