Nye County District Attorney Bob Beckett said he will continue his campaign for Fifth District Court Judge in spite of his recent DUI arrest and unspecified medical issues he chose not to detail in an interview with this paper.

"I'm feeling 100 percent better," Beckett said. "I haven't felt this good in a long time."

Despite the turbulent last month, Beckett said he has received "overwhelming support" from his family members and friends.

"My family and I are extremely impressed with the kindness that's been given to us," he said. "We're very proud to be a part of this community and intend to do anything we can to reciprocate the kindness we've been shown."

The district attorney, when asked how he thought being involved in two separate accidents within six hours this past Father's Day would effect his campaign, was not discouraged.

"I was concerned but people I'm running into seem to understand," Beckett said. "The experience has made me realize I'm just human. It's increased my compassion and understanding and will help me have a more balanced approach to all kinds of issues."

All the same, Beckett's campaign signs have been undergoing "constant vandalism," but his daughters have gone out and helped repair signs.

The district attorney also indicated the accidents may be partially due to medical reasons, although he declined to be any more specific other than saying he was undergoing testing and "we think the problem has been identified and we're taking steps to deal with it."

The DA preferred not to answer several questions about specific issues, suggesting they will be dealt with at some future time.

Beckett faces incumbent Judge John P. Davis and Deputy District Attorney Marla Zlotek in his campaign for the Department I Fifth District judgeship.

His arraignment in Barstow (Calif.) Superior Court is Sept. 2. The primary election is set for Aug. 11.