Dane County incumbent Sheriff Gary Hamblin soundly defeated Green party challenger Adam Benedetto in Tuesday’s election, ending the 27-year-old restaurant manager’s campaign.

Benedetto, who helps to run Magnus restaurant off the Capitol Square, said despite his defeat he is confident his run for sheriff has created more awareness of the Green Party’s agenda.

“People are not pleased with the way things are being done,” Benedetto said. “It’s clear my campaign forced [Hamblin] to recognize the dangers that John Ashcroft’s unchecked power presents to local law enforcement.”

Throughout his campaign, Benedetto portrayed himself as going against the grain of the establishment.

“I think the way the entire system works is biased,” said Benedetto, who based his campaign on a drive to reform Dane County’s prison system. “Basically, criminals go into jail and wind up sitting there. We need to provide them with rehabilitation, to help them do something productive, to help them use the Internet to find jobs when they get out.”

Last week, Benedetto still felt confident he stood a chance at unseating Hamblin, saying, “I’ve done everything right so far. I think I can win.”

Gary Hamblin, having spent 35 years working in law enforcement, including the past five years as Dane County sheriff, has continually brought into question Benedetto’s qualifications and capability.

“Students should choose the candidate with the most experience who will continue to provide a safe place to live,” Hamblin said of his opponent.