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JUNEAU - A former sheriff wants his old job back, but it is a job the current sheriff's not willing to give up.

Steve Fitzgerald left his job as Dodge County's top cop to become a US Marshal in the George W. Bush Administration. President Obama put someone else in that spot.

So, at age 68, Fitzgerald is campaigning for sheriff again.

"It's something I definitely want to do," Fitzgerald told TODAY'S TMJ4 reporter Tom Murray. "I don't feel like I'm that old. I've been blessed with good health."

After Fitzgerald resigned in 2002, Todd Nehls won and doesn't want to leave. Nehls is 49.

"We have out performed the previous four sheriff's by leaps and bounds," Nehls said in an interview.

In this county spotted with small towns and blanketed by farm fields, there is a deep rooted tension between the two Republicans.

"In 1988, I ran against his father and beat his father," Fitzgerald said.

That strikes a sour note.

"I've reviewed the crime stats and looked at his track record compared to the allegations he made against my father - who can't defend himself because he's been dead for four years - that's when it sort of got to me," Nehls explained.

Going after a second generation, Fitzgerald criticizes Nehls for attending a 10-month military leadership training program in Washington, DC.

"Having phone contact with the department is great, but it's not the same as being there," Fitzgerald argues.

"The education I gained at the war college is going to make me a better sheriff," Nehls counters.

Nehls contends Fitzgerald is behind the times.

"People of my generation truly understand the value of technology," Nehls said.

"I've kept myself up and I haven't been retired," said Fitzgerald.

Voters will decide between Nehls and Fitzgerald in the Republican primary next week. The winner will become sheriff because there's no Democrat in the race to face in the general election.