Last modified: Thursday, July 10, 2008 1:52 AM EDT Sutter gives his backing Bristol District Attorney Sam Sutter, right, endorses City Councilor William Bowles in his run for the state representative seat being vacated by Republican John Lepper. (Staff photo by Tom Maguire) Sutter backs Bowles in rep race BY JIM HAND SUN CHRONICLE STAFF ATTLEBORO - Sam Sutter said Wednesday that when he started his long-shot campaign to become district attorney, one of the first people he talked to in the Attleboro area was City Councilor William Bowles. The two hit it off, he said, and Bowles soon endorsed Sutter, and worked on his surprise win over incumbent Paul Walsh. Sutter attempted to return the favor Wednesday by endorsing Bowles before a small group of supporters outside Attleboro City Hall. The district attorney acknowledged that some politicians believe officials should stay out of party primaries and not get involved in local races, but Sutter said Bowles was a special case. "How could I not get involved considering what he did for me?" Sutter said. "I'm not going to worry about conventional wisdom." Sutter said his endorsement of Bowles goes well beyond political payback. He said Bowles has proven himself time and again on a host of issues ranging from finances to public safety. Sutter praised Bowles' intellect, character, dedication and fortitude. "He is an extremely dedicated and able candidate for state representative," Sutter said of Bowles. Sutter also said it is important to him that Bowles is supporting his call for tougher sentences for assaults by means of a firearm, and for longer periods a dangerous person could be held in jail. Bowles is running for the seat being vacated by state Rep. John Lepper, R-Attleboro, who is retiring. The city councilor is in a primary race with fellow Democrat Kate Jackson, a former councilor. The winner will face City Councilor George Ross, a Republican, in November. Bowles said he was humbled and honored by the endorsement. He said he admires Sutter because he has kept his campaign promise not to plea bargain serious crime cases. JIM HAND covers politics for The Sun Chronicle. He can be reached at 508-236-0399 or at jhand@thesunchronicle.com.