Kelley Sweeps Sheriff Union Endorsements in Race Against Ken Kaupas

by Erin Gallagher
Video by Greg Rodil

Three police unions representing the sheriff's department overwhelmingly endorsed Mike Kelley for Will County Sheriff, Kelley said. His opponent, Ken Kaupas, said those endorsements do not ensure victory.

The Metropolitan Alliance of Police Local 123, representing the department supervisors, the Will County Deputy Sheriff's Union FOP 738, representing Sheriff deputies, and the AFSCMSE Local 1028, representing the correctional officers and civilian employees, all endorsed Kelley.

"One of the things, if you look in the past two sheriff's races, the ultimate winner did not have the endorsements of the unions my opponent has garnered so far," Ken Kaupas said.

Ron Adams, vice president of AFSCME Local 1028 disagrees.

"We did endorse (current sheriff) Paul (Kaupas) ever since he's ran," Adams said. "I believe in what Mike (Kelley) says, it's time to go in a new direction."

Ken Kaupas is a retired Illinois State Police captain. He is presently a deputy chief with the sheriff's department and a cousin to current Sheriff Paul Kaupas. Kelley is detective sergeant in the sheriff's investigations division.

Kelley said in an interview Tuesday these endorsements are a "statement" from the unions. Click here to see that interview.

"I think there is some truth behind that comment," said Chris Cavera, president of the deputy sheriff's union. "I think it shows what kind of leader Mike Kelley is, (based on) the overwhelming kind of support that he got."

Tom Omiecinski, treasurer of the deputy sheriff's union said "the votes came back overwhelmingly in support" of Kelley.

"With Mike's background of 25 years, I was not surprised he would get the endorsement of the deupty's union," Ken Kaupas said.

Cavera said that the deputies supported Kelley because he is a 25-year veteran deputy, and has "grown up with a lot of guys in this department." Omiecinski said Kelley knows the good and bad.

Ken Kaupas said that he is endorsed by mayors, but he declined to mention who. He called it a "long process."

"I haven't gotten any from the county police unions," Ken Kaupas said. "I'm still working on a couple endorsements, so I'm not ready to go public with the endorsements I have yet."

"While I certainly would have enjoyed their endorsements (from the unions), I congratulate Mike on getting their endorsements," Ken Kaupas said.