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Prince George's County Councilman Will Campos (D-Dist. 2) of Hyattsville announced Wednesday he is shifting his endorsement from Sheriff Michael A. Jackson to candidate Rushern L. Baker III in the county executive race.

Campos, who said he still considers Jackson "a friend," said he is now uncomfortable with growing scandals in the sheriff's office, including recent revelations that Jackson refused to investigate aides accused of embezzling money from the deputies' union and that his office failed to post a warrant in July for a man who shot and killed a 17-year-old teen two weeks later.

"It's gotten difficult, when I go out and knock doors in my district, to explain it," Campos said. "People keep seeing these things. It's become tougher to justify my support."

Baker, a former state delegate from Cheverly, and Jackson, a lifelong county resident who lives in Brandywine, are the leading contenders in polling, funds and endorsements among the five executive candidates.

While Baker has garnered most endorsements from incumbent lawmakers, including five of the county's eight senators, Jackson has more funding and is running a grassroots campaign centered on the county's central and southern communities.

Jackson campaign officials could not immediately be reached for comment.

"I look forward to working with Will on issues of fundamental fairness on the county council," Baker said in a statement released Wednesday. "His support and energy are welcome as we make this county great for all of its residents."

Councilman Samuel H. Dean (D-Dist. 6) of Mitchellville, Del. Gerron S. Levi (D-Dist. 23A) of Bowie and retired businessman Henry C. Turner Jr. of Upper Marlboro are also on the Sept. 14 ballot. Early voting in the election starts Friday and runs through Sept. 9 at five county locations.

dvalentine@gazette.net