By Ina Ronquillo

CREATED May. 24, 2013

PHOENIX (AP) - A group supporting Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio is asking a judge to let its lawsuit seeking to end a recall effort against the sheriff move forward in court.

Citizens To Protect Fair Election Results is asking the judge to declare the signatures gathered so far in the recall effort invalid.

Recall organizers have asked that the lawsuit be dismissed because they say it is without legal merit and is a tool to try to intimidate Arpaio critics and mislead voters.

The pro-Arpaio group argues in its lawsuit that the Arizona Constitution prohibits the circulation of recall petitions against an official until he or she has held office for six months.

Recall organizers contend a state law specifies that the six-month period doesn't apply to incumbents.

http://www.kgun9.com/news/local/208841731.html