Peterson not endorsing in Somerset sheriff race

Assemblyman Erik Peterson (R-Franklin) won’t endorse Tim Pino — or anyone else — in the race for Somerset County sheriff.

“That’s a matter for the people of Somerset County,” Peterson said when asked if he would endorse Pino. “I like Tim a lot. I think he’s a good guy. I think he’d make a good sheriff, but I’m not coming out and endorsing anybody in that race.”

State Sen. Michael Doherty (R-Oxford), who represents the same district as Peterson, has endorsed Pino.

Pino, a former Somerset County sheriff’s officer, works as an aide for Doherty.

North Plainfield Chief of Police Bill Parenti is also running to replace longtime Somerset Sheriff Frank Provenzano, who announced earlier this month that he would retire at the end of the year after 18 years as the county’s sheriff.

Provenzano has endorsed Parenti.

Two Democrats, Darrin Russo and Art Akins, are seeking the Democratic nomination for Sheriff.  Russo held Provenzano to a narrow 50%-49% win in 2016.