Downing to run for county sheriff

Michael Downing will leave his seat in the New Hampshire Senate to run for Rockingham County sheriff.

Downing, a Republican from Salem, has served in the Senate since 2006. He also served in the New Hampshire House from 1996 to 2002. He retired from a 20-year career in law enforcement in 1995.

Downing, 55, had been mulling a run since former Sheriff Dan Linehan resigned in November. He decided to make it official yesterday.

"There's a vacuum at the agency and I thought I had the qualifications to fill it," he said yesterday. "I think I can make it a smooth transition."

Initially, his focus as sheriff would be on fiscal responsibility, Downing said. Cooperation with other law enforcement agencies in the area also is critical, he said.

Downing's career in law enforcement started in 1976 when he briefly worked for the New Hampshire State Police as a communications specialist, then served in the military police until 1979. He worked as a state trooper out of Troop A in Epping until 1984, when he joined the Salem Police Department. He retired in 1995 as a patrol supervisor.

He has served voters in Atkinson, Pelham, Plaistow and Salem as their state senator since 2006. He holds seats on the Capital Budget, Executive Departments and Administration, Health and Human Services, Rules and Enrolled Bills, and Ways and Means committees.

"It's been an enjoyable and very interesting experience," Downing said of his time in the Senate.

"It had its moments. There was a lot accomplished — and some things weren't."

Others in the running for sheriff include David Lovejoy — who ran unsuccessfully for the office last fall — Brentwood police Sgt. D.H. "Denny" Wood and Seabrook police Sgt. Mark Preston.

Capt. Al Brackett, who is serving as the top administrator in the sheriff's office on an interim basis, has said he isn't interested in keeping the job.

Downing lives in Salem and is the owner of Sunshine Laundry.