John R. Powell, Republican, pre-filed as for Escambia County Sheriff. Powell ran unsuccessfully as a Democrat in 2004 against Ron McNesby. He served as Chief Police for Dothan, Ala. until he was appointed in August 2009 by Gov. Crist to be his Director of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco. Before taking the Dothan position, Powell was the police chief in Wilson, North Carolina.