Associated Press Wed Mar 6, 2013 2:50 PM

Leaders of an effort to oust Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio say they’ve gathered a third of the signatures needed to force a recall election.

Recall organizers say they’ve gathered 120,000 of the more than 335,000 valid voter signatures required by May 30 to prompt an election.

The recall group has refused to abandon its bid to oust the sheriff even though Arpaio supporters are threatening legal action.

Larry Klayman, a lawyer representing Arpaio supporters, says his group will take legal action March 19.

Recall organizers say the sheriff has put immigration enforcement above other police priorities, while Arpaio supporters contend the effort is unconstitutional.

Arpaio campaign manager Chad Willems questions whether recall organizers have as many signatures as they claim.

Neither group has revealed its sources of funding.

Arpaio recall group: Third of signatures gathered