Months before anyone voted, the frequent Internet chatter was that two of the candidates, Republican Robert Sullivan and Democrat Jeff Deremer, got into the race to be "crash dummies" who were running only to drain energy and cash from the stronger contenders. Sullivan would help clear the way in the general election for Democrat Kim Bogart. Deremer would weaken Bogart for Republican Sheriff Bob White.

The rhetoric was largely ignored throughout the campaign, never prompting public denials. But days after last week's primary was over, the two losing candidates poured more gasoline on the fiery rumor. Crossing party lines, Deremer endorsed White, and Sullivan backed Bogart.

Read Molly Moorhead's story here.

-- David DeCamp, Times staff writer