Zaruba seeks fourth term as DuPage sheriff

DuPage County Sheriff John Zaruba will seek his fourth elected term in 2010.

The Republican was first appointed to the post in 1997 and won elections in 1998, 2002 and 2006.

"Since being appointed in 1997, I have focused my efforts on finding innovative, efficient ways to protect the people I serve," Zaruba said in a statement issued Thursday, "and I want to continue to do just that."

No Democrat has emerged to challenge Zaruba, but a former deputy has announced plans to run against him in the February GOP primary.

Mike Quiroz was a deputy from 1979 until his retirement in 2003. He served in the corrections, patrol and detective divisions. He now owns two businesses that offer security and investigation services.

Another former deputy unsuccessfully ran against Zaruba in 2006 for the Republican nomination and he fought off a write-in challenger in the 2002 primary.

Zaruba's release did not address his opposition. It said he has the "support of the Republican Party."

"I would say that's true," said state Sen. Dan Cronin, who serves as chairman of the DuPage County GOP. "We think he is an excellent sheriff and wonderful leader for the county. It's fair to say he's made us proud out here. He's effective and getting the job done."

Quiroz said he's not just focused on Republican voters.

"There's not going to be one person I overlook," he said. "What we're doing is going after all voters and not just keeping it at the Republican Party level and that's going to make a huge difference."

The release also announced the launch of Zaruba's campaign Web site, www.zaruba2010.com.

His release touted the sheriff's devotion to multijurisdictional task forces and intergovernmental cooperation during his tenure as sheriff.

"In addition, I formed the Sexual Predator Unit to ensure the safety of every child in this county," he wrote. "I will continue to enhance our domestic violence program that reduces domestic violence and its recidivism rate."

Zaruba, who did not return calls, has been with the department since 1974.