Cheek Wants Votes, Not Job

  by Gerrick Brenner

(11/02/06 -- DURHAM) (WTVD) -- A candidate for Durham district attorney is asking voters to support him, but reminding them that he does not want the job.

Lewis Cheek is not new to politics. He is a Durham County commissioner and former city councilman. The searing national spotlight of the Duke lacrosse rape case brought Cheek into the race for Durham district attorney. He thinks District Attorney Mike Nifong botched the case, but five days before the election, Cheek says he still dislikes the attention.

"I didn't really want to be here," Cheek said at a Thursday afternoon press conference. "I hope I don't offend anybody by saying that."

Cheek is reminding voters that if elected, he will not serve.

"It doesn't matter how many votes I get on Tuesday," he said. "I will not take the job."

Cheek wants voters to bounce Nifong because of the Duke lacrosse case, but then have Governor Mike Easley appoint a new Durham County district attorney.

Cheek came forward again Thursday because of rumors that he secretly wants the top prosecutor's job. His voice cracked at times - - and at one point, he fought back tears.

The other candidate in the race is Steve Monks, a Republican. He has been urging voters to write in his name on Election Day. Monks admits that having three people in the race makes it very difficult for either Cheek or himself to beat Nifong. He says he would drop out if he was convinced Cheek had a good chance of beating Nifong.

Recent polling shows Nifong with a large lead in the race.

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