Friday, January 4, 2008 - 2:13 PM MST
Arpaio flies to N.H. to stump for RomneyThe Business Journal of Phoenix - by Mike Sunnucks Phoenix Business Journal
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Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio will campaign with former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney in New Hampshire, the next battleground in the 2008 presidential race.

Romney is battling tooth and nail with Arizona Sen. John McCain in New Hampshire.

Arpaio -- one of Arizona's most prominent and controversial political figures -- is backing Romney's bid for the Republican presidential nomination over McCain. He is leaving today to hit the campaign trail in New Hampshire.

Romney finished second in Thursday's Iowa caucuses, behind former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee. McCain finished fourth.

The sheriff said Friday he likes Romney's business and economic background and immigration stances.

Romney was CEO of an investment firm and the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympics. Arpaio also pointed to Massachusetts' strong economy while Romney was governor there.

Arpaio said Romney was one of the first governors to have state troopers trained to enforce federal immigration laws. The Maricopa County Sheriff's Office has its officers similarly trained.

Immigration has been a major point of contention between McCain and Romney. Polls show them essentially tied in New Hampshire, which will stage its primary on Tuesday.

McCain and Arpaio have also been rivals in Arizona during their tenures in public life.

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