Assistant St. Paul Police Chief Matt Bostrom, who was in charge of security for the 2008 Republican National Convention and has handled many other tough police department assignments, said today he'll likely run for Ramsey County Sheriff next year.

I expect incumbent Sheriff Bob Fletcher will seek for a fifth term — he narrowly defeated former St. Paul Police Chief William Finney three years ago in one of the nastiest local races in memory — and have a call in to him to confirm. I suppose it's possible Fletcher won't run, given some recent problems, including the conviction of two aides for theft and some questions about his role in the RNC, but that would seem to be out of character for the feisty sheriff.

Bostrom is a 27-year police veteran; his father, Dan, was a longtime cop and now serves on the City Council.

Matt Bostrom has some high-powered city politicos on his campaign committee: Congresswoman Betty McCollum, Ramsey County Commissioner Victoria Reinhardt, Ramsey County Commissioner Tony Bennett, State Senator Mee Moua, and Saint Paul Police Chief John Harrington.

Here are portions of the e-mailed press release about the candidacy:

Today, Saint Paul Police Assistant Chief Matt Bostrom filed his Registration and Statement of Organization with the Ramsey County Elections office. The Bostrom for Sheriff Committee has been formed to begin raising funds for a likely run for Ramsey County Sheriff in 2010. "This is an exciting first step in this campaign. I am confident that my commitment to professional public service and to the core values of protecting our citizens, partnering with the community, reducing neighborhood crime, practicing fiscal responsibility, and collaborating with other law enforcement agencies are what the citizens expect from their sheriff," said Bostrom. "I have found that community changes everything and I am sincerely grateful for the widespread support I have received throughout the county from citizens, law enforcement professionals, and public officials."

Matt is a native of Saint Paul. He grew up near Lake Phalen and graduated from Johnson High School. He has degrees from Northwestern College, the University of Saint Thomas, and Hamline University, and has more than 27 years of experience in law enforcement. Matt currently resides in the Lowertown neighborhood with his Cheryl, his wife of 27 years. Together they have three adult children: Emily (and husband Andrew) Grant, and Luke.