Nelson/Richard race officially on

It's official: Tim Nelson will face off against Gerald Richard for the Democratic nomination to take on Maricopa County Attorney Andrew Thomas.

While both had been almost certain to enter the race as of early this month, both candidates have confirmed to PolitickerAZ that their signatures are in and they're on the hunt for the nomination.

"We're off to a really good start," said Nelson of his campaign. He left his position as general counsel to Gov. Janet Napolitano in January to pursue MCA spot. "We're very pleased with the support so far."

Nelson had kind words for his rival, Phoenix Police Department Director Gerald Richard, saying "Gerald's a really nice guy, and we're both committed to defeating Andrew Thomas." Yet Nelson is confident that he'll be the one on the ticket come November.

"I think I'm going to raise more money, and I think I'm the more qualified candidate," said Nelson.

Gerald Richard had much the same to say... about himself.

"Take a look at all of the candidates. Out of all of them, I'm the most qualified," said Richard. "I'm the only one who’s been able to provide the type of leadership to actually address those issues important to the community and prosecute cases, the only one who’s been a consensus builder, the only one who’s trained nationwide on gangs and community policing."

"Take a look at county attorney’s mission statement – I’m the only one who’s done all of that," he added.

Nelson may have one big advantage, though. "I anticipate Gov. Napolitano will endorse me," said Nelson, who also promised other endorsements when he officially rolls out his campaign next month.

What he doesn't have, however, is a campaign manager. In the interim, Joanna Peters, who was president of the Arcadia Camelback Mountain Neighborhood Association and the former director of community outreach for Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon, is serving as deputy campaign manager.

"We're still looking for a campaign manager," said Nelson. "We have a few people in mind, but we're still taking resumes."

"So if you hear of anyone..." he added.

Qualified prospective campaign managers can reach him through his Osborn Maledon office, the firm where he is currently an attorney.