WHITE COUNTY, Ga. – Rick Kelley  picked up a major endorsement last week when retiring Sheriff Neal Walden threw his support behind his former captain to become the next Sheriff of White County.

In making the announcement, Walden said, “Rick has devoted his entire 17 year law enforcement career to serving the citizens of White County. He has worked his way up the ranks from jailer in the detention center, civil division, patrol division and criminal investigation division. As a division commander, he has been involved in the budget process for the operations of the Office of Sheriff.”

Kelly said he is proud to have Walden’s support. “That’s a big endorsement. I’ve had the privilege of working with him for 17 years. He did a good job and he laid the groundwork for whoever follows him.”

Kelley is in a race with Aaron Autry, Jeffery Ramey, John Murphy and Will Garrett for the right to succeed Walden who, after 28 years as sheriff, announced he will retire at the end of the year.

There is more good news for the Kelley campaign. The latest campaign contribution disclosure report (CCDR) shows that he has a substantial lead in fundraising. Kelly, has received $31,850 in contributions and has spent $22,277.

Second in fundraising is Alan Autry, who has raised $7,100 and spent $6,743.28. John Murphy has a negative balance on hand, having collected $6,500 and spent $6,684.51. Jeff Ramey’s contributions total $3,729.23 and expenditures $3,479.23. Will Garrett has received $2,130 and spent $1,942.28

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