Monday, March 22, 2010, 3:07pm MST
Arpaio raises $2M, still pondering run for governor
Phoenix Business Journal - by Mike Sunnucks
1 Comment

Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio is still pondering a run for Arizona governor, his campaign manager said Monday.

Political consultant Chad Willems said in a prepared statement that Arpaio raised $2 million in campaign funds between March 2009 and March 2010, and the sheriff is considering running for governor in this year’s election.

He said Arpaio will make a decision soon, but did not give a timetable. Candidates must file by May 26.

Arpaio would join a Republican field that includes incumbent Jan Brewer, Arizona Treasurer Dean Martin and Paulden businessman Buz Mills.

Arpaio has pondered gubernatorial runs before, but never pulled the trigger.

The controversial sheriff is popular in Sun City and among those favoring crackdowns on illegal immigration. But the U.S Justice Department is investigating Arpaio for civil rights abuses against Hispanics, and a federal grand jury is looking at the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office for charges of abuse of power.

Arpaio denies wrongdoing and continues doing immigration and crime sweeps.

Arizona Attorney General Terry Goddard is the likely Democratic nominee for governor. Arpaio, 77, has clashed with Goddard in the past.


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