A total of seven men are vying for the job formerly held by now-retired LASD Sheriff Lee Baca, and each is making a strong case as to why they're the best one to lead the department.

The first debate took place last week, and the six attending candidates had strong opinions as to who was responsible for department mismanagement and who would best help the LASD recover from a recent flurry of scandals.

The resonant tone for the night seemed to be one of reform-  why it's needed and why each one felt they were the most qualified man for the job.

And as is common in most political debates- attendees heard the occasional barbs and attacks.

Candidates start pointing fingers

Candidate Jim McDonnell said Baca is to be blamed for the department's lack of leadership.  The deputy-on-inmate attacks took place on his watch, he said.  He feels jail staff should have been held to a higher standard.

Assistant Sheriff Jim Gomez reportedly said his opponent, Undersheriff Paul Tanaka, was part of the former leadership and was thus part of the problem.  He later pointed to a recent report that showed approximately $138 million from special accounts was not handled correctly.

Takaka chose to point the finger back at Baca.

Sheriff's Commander Robert Olmsted said that if he's elected, he plans to clean house in terms of the jail command staff.  Assistant Sheriff Jim Hellmold pointed out his opponent was working as a command staff deputy when the alleged instances took place.

Attendees said they were pleased with how the debate went - especially since it allowed them to better see the differences between the candidates.  They all have their talking points during media interviews, but the this type of forum had them talking freely.

The primary election is scheduled to take place in June.  If no one gets more than 50 percent of the vote, the top two contenders will advance to a November runoff.