AZ ‘Sheriff Joe’ Arpaio Heading to the Senate?
- Posted on February 14, 2011 at 4:22pm by
Meredith Jessup
- Print »
- Email »
America’s most famous outspoken sheriff has not yet signaled whether he intends to pursue higher office, but a new poll suggests that Arizona Republicans aren’t opposed to sending Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio to Washington in 2012.
On the same day Rep. Jeff Flake, R-Ariz., announced his intent to run to fill outgoing Sen. John Kyl’s seat, a new poll from Summit Consulting Group shows Arpaio with a narrow lead over Flake. In a poll of potential GOP contenders, Arpaio attracts an impressive 21 percent, followed by Flake in second with 16.8 percent. Former Rep. J.D. Hayworth who lost a primary challenge to Sen. John McCain last year took third with 16.6 percent.
Arpaio has made national headlines recently for his tough stance on crime and illegal immigration. It’s unclear how much interest he might have in running for Senate versus running for re-election as sheriff, but he is being urged by his supporters to pursue the Senate seat, an Arizona GOP strategist told Roll Call on Monday.
Arpaio would likely also enjoy fundraising advantage thanks to his national notoriety.
On Monday, Arpaio hinted that he was open to the possibility of running for Senate. The deciding factor is neither the money, which Arpaio predicted he could raise, nor his ability to do the job. Instead, Arpaio said it‘s whether he’d be willing to leave his post as sheriff.
“The issue is whether I want to leave this office and go to Washington and try to make a difference there, which I would do if I run and win,” Arpaio said, noting it’s a bit too early to make a final decision. “The door is open right now but, as I said, I’m campaigning for sheriff and raising that money.”
“I think I could do that job,” he said, referring to the duties of a U.S. Senator.
When polling without Arpaio’s name in the mix, Flake comes out on top with 22 percent, followed by Hayworth at 20 and former Rep. John Shadegg with 17 percent.
Bottom line: the race to replace Sen. Kyl has a wide-open GOP field.
Popular Stories
MSNBC Host Snaps in Heated Segment: ‘What in the World Is Riskier Than Being a Poor Person in America?’ 690 Comments
Does Misstated Marathon Claim Prove Paul Ryan Is Dishonest? (POLL) 659 Comments
‘Jumah at the DNC’ Speaker: ‘Muslims Visited America Prior to Columbus’ & ‘It Was a Muslim’ Who Guided Him to the ‘New World’ 524 Comments
Obama: RNC Like Watching ‘Black-and-White TV’ Because Romney ‘Did Not Offer a Single New Idea’ 361 Comments
Paper Details Obama Admin’s Alleged Secret Note Sent to Iran: If Israel Attacks, We Won’t Get Involved 325 Comments
Faith
This Is the Creationists‘ Response to Scientist Bill Nye’s Viral Pro-Evolution Video Claiming They Harm Children 210 Comments- Pakistani Muslim Cleric Accused of Framing Disabled Christian Girl in Koran-Burning Case Read More
- ‘Made Up Religion’: TV Historian Enrages Muslims, Receives Threats After Producing UK Documentary Questioning Islam’s Beginnings 225 Comments
Meet the Controversial German Imam Accused of Brutally Beating His Wife & Pushing Sharia Law Read More
‘Self-Proclaimed Messiah’ & Unification Church Leader the Rev. Sun Myung Moon Has Died — Here’s His Life Story Read More
Business
President Obama Issues Major ‘Green Energy’ Executive Order Read More- Germany’s Upcoming Court Ruling Will be Huge for the EU Read More
Ford Looks to Beat Toyota for Best-Selling Car in 2012 With This Model 147 Comments
Bernanke & QE3: Here’s What You Need to Know Read More- ‘Extortion’: Why Did the Labor Department ‘Drop the Hammer’ on Oregon Farmers? 300 Comments
Technology
- This Is the Creationists‘ Response to Scientist Bill Nye’s Viral Pro-Evolution Video Claiming They Harm Children 210 Comments
‘TaserDrone’: Hackers Weaponize Quadcopter With Actual ‘Shocking’ Technology Read More
Ever Heard of the Wild ‘Burning Man’ Festival in the Middle of the Nev. Desert? Here’s Your Primer Read More
Stanford Develops Technology ‘Better Than Steroids’ for Athlete Recovery Read More
Have You Pretended to Know What ‘the Cloud’ Is? You’re Not Alone Read More
Submitting your tip... please wait!
Comments (54)
pitboss711
Posted on February 15, 2011 at 7:20pmSheriff Joe posted a video on Facebook today showing him and a Fox reporter having lunch at a Mexican restaurant. The family that runs it doesn‘t support Sheriff Arpaio’s stance on illegal immigration, but they “allowed” them to dine there anyway. They told FOX 10, “We want to set an example for the sheriff: that we open our doors and welcome everyone.” I’m curious if they welcome people who want something for nothing, won‘t pay for their food and therefore don’t earn their right to eat there.
Report Post »banjarmon
Posted on February 15, 2011 at 7:09pmMaybe he could make the Senate ware PINK under ware…they need someone like JOE!
Report Post »beachmaster
Posted on February 15, 2011 at 6:34pmThis is easily todays BEST idea! Send Sheriff Joe to the Senate, so that our legislators can see and hear common sense, PLUS .. Hey …Sheriff Joe ..if you are a U.S. Senator … and if you get onto the committee that oversees home land security and those fun folks at the justice department .. well how does the phrase “shoes on the other foot” sound to you. That alone should be enough incentive to get you to run.
Report Post »Supreme Galooty
Posted on February 15, 2011 at 6:04pmWhile there is no doubt that Sheriff Joe is a fine, stalwart friend of righteous Americanism, sending him the the United States Senate would be like casting pearls before swine. For your senator, you want dunderheaded beligerent obstructionism, featuring the fiery balls of Satan, the mighty brawn of Rocky Balboa, and the brains of Shirley Jackson Lee. Save Sheriff Joe for Governor or President where his talents would shine.
Report Post »godfather
Posted on February 15, 2011 at 5:38pmWhether or not he’s a racist, he definitely abuses his power.
http://theboard.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/12/31/americas-worst-sheriff-joe-arpaio/
Report Post »Supreme Galooty
Posted on February 15, 2011 at 6:07pmIf both you AND the ny times are against Sheriff Joe, I suspect that he has been doing his job well.
Report Post »azmomof6
Posted on February 15, 2011 at 7:04pmThis comment coming from someone named Godfather?
Report Post »godfather
Posted on February 15, 2011 at 11:40pmFunny that neither of you attempted to refute any of the statements made in the article, which makes me wonder whether you actually read it or just disregarded the article because it is in the New York Times.
Because of Joe Arpaio, Maricopa has paid out more than $43 million in settlements to prisoners and their families because of the inhumane conditions in his jails. It’s funny how tea partiers only point to the constitution when it is convenient and forget about the Eighth Amendment which prohibits cruel and unusual punishment.
Report Post »azmomof6
Posted on February 16, 2011 at 2:23amPink underwear and green bologna… cruel and unusual? I wouldn’t call it that. I have a relative who spent time in the tent city and didn’t like the Sheriff. (He sent me a postcard, apparently they‘re a collector’s item.) Anyway, it’s a difficult place to live, but nothing worth suing over. If you don’t like it, don’t commit a crime. Besides, it’s not supposed to be a pleasant experience to be jailed. If it were, what would deter people from committing a crime simply to have a free place to live, food, t.v., library, computers, education, gym, etc.? It‘s not the sheriff’s fault that the state has paid… that’s all on the heads of the judges. He’s done our state a lot of good.
Report Post »Old Patriot
Posted on February 15, 2011 at 4:54pm(GayDem4Beck
I would much rather see the next president put Sheriff Joe up for head of Homeland Security. AND John Bolton as Secretary Of State. Pres. Herman Cain / Vp. John Huntsman Jr)
GayDem4Beck, I couldn’t have said it any better myself!
Report Post »2smart
Posted on February 15, 2011 at 4:14pmI’d support Sherrif Joe, but then I believe in common sense and the rule of law. I support Arizona in their fight with the US Government.
Report Post »It’s a shame that those who disagree with a Great United States have to stoop to race baiting or coming up with imaginary facts to prove their agenda. If you don’t like it here, leave. Go to Venzuela, Chavez would love another gullible citizen who worships him. You could be like Sean Penn.
jade777
Posted on February 15, 2011 at 4:02pmit would be a sad day to lose Joe as Sheriff…but would be PROUD to have him as a Senator! HELL YEAH!!
Report Post »tlewis
Posted on February 15, 2011 at 3:53pmJoe is a real American, cop and would make a good congressman. I was hoping he could train the Dearborn Michigan Police Department on how to protect the rights of “Americans” before he leaves law enforcement.
Report Post »OpenEyeAz
Posted on February 15, 2011 at 3:52pmNo No No … Joe please stay right where you are. We need some level of sanity in the sheriff department in our state. Unless Sherriff Babu takes his job ! . With “ public servents ” like Dupnik running around we will be screwed !
Report Post »connect the dots
Posted on February 15, 2011 at 3:23pmI LOVE this man … Joe for US Senate ( makes me smile )
Report Post »jeckelmyhyde
Posted on February 15, 2011 at 2:51pmI would hate to see Joe leave his post at MCSO, I fear that it would be very difficult to replace him. When I see that moron Dupnik down in Pima county, I wonder if Maricopa county would settle for anyone less than Joe.
Report Post »hanky
Posted on February 15, 2011 at 2:45pmGo for it, but make sure you have a good replacement in mind of your caliber. We need your type of leader inplace at both places.
Report Post »ozz
Posted on February 15, 2011 at 1:48pmLikely be living there by election time. Can’t stand komifornia any more. He’s got my vote :)
Report Post »valarie
Posted on February 15, 2011 at 1:47pm(singing to the Happy Days Are Here Again Song) ***Sheriff Joe For President!*** I love this guy!
Report Post »Tickdog
Posted on February 15, 2011 at 1:10pmMy hats off to him!
Report Post »sean_m.
Posted on February 15, 2011 at 1:08pmGo get ‘em, Joe!
Report Post »bukowski72
Posted on February 15, 2011 at 1:01pmBorder Activist Convicted in Home Invasion Murders of Little Girl, Dad
Feb 14, 2011 – 3:17 PM
TUCSON, Ariz. – The leader of an anti-illegal-immigrant group was convicted Monday in a home invasion robbery that left a 9-year-old girl and her father dead in what prosecutors said was an attempt to steal drug money to fund the group’s operations.
http://www.aolnews.com/2011/02/14/border-activist-shawna-forde-convicted-in-home-invasion-that-kil/?icid=maing|main5|dl1|sec3_lnk2|44051
Report Post »TrojanPig
Posted on February 15, 2011 at 1:10pmI live 15 miles from where this occured. I have been involved with law enforcement in one way or another pretty much all my life. I can tell you that the man and woman that did this were no border activists. That is simply a spun name that the media here put on them and tactic these two people used to try and throw off their real personas. These two people were criminals… drug dealers that decided to try and pull this off. The only thing I can say here is that the old saying, “No honor among thieves,” is certainly apropos. The only innocent person in this was the 9 year old little girl.
Report Post »ozz
Posted on February 15, 2011 at 1:46pmTrojanPigs dead on. I call bull shiz. Saw the story before and it still smells of cow leavings today.
Report Post »AR_OR_AK
Posted on February 15, 2011 at 12:57pmEverything I’ve seen on this guy is stellar. Wish we had someone like him here in GA. I’d vote for this guy if I lived in Arizona. I bet he’d do some damage to the open border fiasco. Go Sherrif Joe!!!
Report Post »Gonzo
Posted on February 15, 2011 at 12:53pmNow that would be interesting!
Report Post »agro21
Posted on February 15, 2011 at 12:47pmI’m torn on this 1. Like Joe, love him as sheriff, not sure about Senate–he’d be great there, but we need the best on the front lines.
Report Post »eileen for freedom liberty
Posted on February 15, 2011 at 1:34pmYes he is needed on the border…because he is one of Sheriff’s getting the job done in spite of the government!
But would he not serve more efficiently in the Senate to support and vote for closing our borders, once and for all, so that the Sheriffs don’t have to work so hard at keeping the law?
Send him to the Senate…we need his vote and his patriotism to stand for America and our Constitution!
Report Post »Nepenthe
Posted on February 15, 2011 at 12:45pmHow anyone who enojys liberty, constitutional rights and equal standing under the law can support this Sherrif is dumbfounding. But, when in tough economic times like we are in now, the people need an enemy, so many will hold Sherrif Arpiao and his anti-brown people stance up very high.
Report Post »TrojanPig
Posted on February 15, 2011 at 1:01pmNepenthe,
You are absolutely assinine with that response. Arpaio is not anti-brown and anyone who says that is a fool! He has plenty of hispanics, blacks, whites and anything else you can toss as deputies. Arpaio is anit illegal immigration. He does not care where they come from. I am anti illegal immigration as well. I don’t care where they come from. Simple fact, come here legally and I welcome you. The truth of the matter is that we live 60 miles from the Mexican border. Statistically speaking, most of the illegal immigrants here are going to be… wait for it… mexican citizens. It has nothing to do with the color of their skin. It only has to do with they way in which they came to be in the U.S. (illegally). I know that is a hard concept for you and others like you to understand. Let me put it this way, “Illegal is baaad, mmmmkay.” If you don’t like the law, then use your energy to try and get it changed but do not rail against those that support the laws that are on the books. That is their damn job!
Report Post »Marrabella
Posted on February 15, 2011 at 1:48pmThere you go Nep…… Playing the race card. he is not a racist …. He is for following the rules.
Report Post »Sheesh! can’t wait for this race baiting to stop.
With the election of Obama, we have become ever more aware of the racists…… Sharpton, Jesse Jackson, and their ilk. And that is a good thing.
Nep…… Your time has gone.
America isn’t buying that race garbage anymore.
swoods08
Posted on February 15, 2011 at 1:56pmYou are a moron, this man upholds the laws of this country and is probably our last stand against being over run by the constant flow of illegals pouring over the border. If Joe ran for President it would give me a reason to actually vote this time around!
Report Post »thegrassroots
Posted on February 15, 2011 at 10:59amSheriff Joe, America’s Sheriff, In Washington, DC! The thought has got me smile’n so early in the morning.
Report Post »azmomof6
Posted on February 15, 2011 at 6:51pmWell I agree that’s an awesome idea, what would happen to AZ without him? Maybe we could put up signs at the border that say trespassers will be shot… and actually mean it. That would cost less than building a great wall anyway.
Report Post »eileen for freedom liberty
Posted on February 15, 2011 at 10:24am2012 – ‘BACK TO THE FUTURE’!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
America…I have always respected this man! He has been standing up and speaking out long before any of us thought to do so!
He has reined in crime…in a decent and civil way and made a difference in his area!
If I lived in that state…I’d throw Johnnie “come conservative too late” McCain out of office and replace him with Arpaio…ASAP!
Get er done….Arizona! You let us down when you re-elected Johnnie…now please make it RIGHT!
~~~
SUPPORT ARIZONA IN THEIR FIGHT AGAINST THIS GOVERNMENT –
http://keepazsafe.com AND/OR http://bordersheriffs.com/
Report Post »Armaggedon
Posted on February 15, 2011 at 4:43pmC’mon, Eileen, Arizona let us down when they returned the Progressive McCain for yet another betrayal in the US Senate! You just wait ’til ‘amnesty’ and ‘pathway to citizenship’ regurgitates and the “build the dang fence” crap spreads back out! WE DON’T NEED A DANG FENCE ALONG OUR BORDER ! WE NEED TO PULL OUR TROOPS BACK FROM PLACES LIKE JAPAN AND GERMANY FOR FULL TIME MILITARY PLACEMENT ALONG OUR BORDER! WE NEED TO REPLACE OUR FEEBLE SCHOOL-CROSSING-GUARD, UNIONIZED, PENSION-ORIENTED, BEAURAUCRATIC, BRIBE-VULNERABLE US BORDER PATROL…..NOW!
Report Post »The Patriot
Posted on February 15, 2011 at 9:03amI have always thought that Sheriff Joe for president had a nice ring to it
Report Post »ozz
Posted on February 15, 2011 at 1:41pmAt least he would build a freaking wall along our border and kick out the 30 million illegals :)
Report Post »J.C. McGlynn
Posted on February 15, 2011 at 1:43pmCongress would be a better place him. Think of the terror he would cause among the libs.
Report Post »GayDem4Beck
Posted on February 15, 2011 at 3:21pmI would much rather see the next president put Sheriff Joe up for head of Homeland Security. AND John Bolton as Secretary Of State.
Pres. Herman Cain / Vp. John Huntsman Jr
Report Post »Jerome-S-Parkin
Posted on February 15, 2011 at 4:45pmWhen this guy gets to the senate or congress, you get what you deserve. The mental acuity of a nation is directly related to the type of leaders who they elect.
IAMAWAKE54
Posted on February 15, 2011 at 6:18pmI like GAYDEM4BECK’S ticket!!!!
Report Post »MHP
Posted on February 16, 2011 at 5:43am@GayDem4Beck
Sheriff Joe should remain where’s at. With that knucklehead Sheriff Dipstick, who knows who would replace Arpaio.
We got lots of good candidates who can replace Sen. Kyle
Bolton would be a damn good secretary of state.
Maybe even a better president.
Course I like Chuck Norris/Judge Napolitano as the team.
Norris kicks ass, and the Judge has a brilliant legal mind.
Report Post »MHP
Posted on February 16, 2011 at 5:46am@GayDem4Beck
Deputy Barney Fife would be much better as a sheriff than Sheriff Dipstick
Barney’s picture is on most law enforcement lockers. And I got one of him in my window.
Report Post »gracentruth
Posted on February 16, 2011 at 5:32pmYes, Senator Arpaio would do great in U.S. Senate. He is a man who cannot be scared or compromised. I lived in Arizona when he was sheriff and he was awesome. We want our legislators to do what we say because they are our representatives, but we don’t dare elect the ones who will stand for principles because we wimp out when the lamestream media tells us to.
Report Post »