"It's a clear abuse of power by the Republicans, which is a direct result of unbalanced power that has led to arrogance," she said. "We have good, reliable candidates in the county this year, and this will make people stop and look at those candidates."

Within the county council races, incumbent Republican Councilman Steve Harmsen is already locked in a tight race with Democratic challenger Jenny Wilson, and he acknowledged that the problems at the county have forced him to do more education about the difference between the council and the mayor. However, he said that because of his record of strict ethics — for example, he pushed for rules prohibiting gifts or food for elected and appointed officials and openly criticizes fellow county officials for various conflicts of interest — he is not concerned that people will lump him in with the mayor.

Still, he plans to support Workman until the county's central committee decides how to proceed if criminal charges are filed.

"I see myself as a government watchdog," Harmsen said. "I'm not interested in saving Mayor Workman; I want what's best for county taxpayers."

Wilson said that while Harmsen has done nothing wrong, his continued support of the mayor highlights a difference between them. It is also proof that the old guard of county politics needs to change.

"I believe we need a culture change at the county," she said. "People need to step up and be accountable."

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E-mail: jloftin@desnews.com