Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio wins 6th term

Posted: Nov 06, 2012 3:39 PM PST
Updated: Nov 06, 2012 8:33 PM PST
Tuesday, November 6, 2012 11:33 PM
By FOX 10 News - Staff Report

PHOENIX - The self-proclaimed toughest sheriff in America has won a sixth term after facing his most bruising re-election contest.

The race for Maricopa County Sheriff has been an expensive one. Sheriff Joe Arpaio raised $8 million for his campaign, and he faced one of his one of his toughest challengers to date -- retired Phoenix Police Sergeant Paul Penzone.

This race really got dirty. The attack ads between both of these candidates were really harsh.

The domestic violence accusations against Paul Penzone vs. the sex crimes that weren't investigated by Sheriff Arpaio's office – to be sure both candidates are ready for this race to be over.

We caught up with Penzone out talking to voters at a polling site in Phoenix, trying to pick up some last minute votes.

Penzone has been the sheriff's toughest opponent in the sheriff's 20 year career.

According to the latest campaign finance reports, Arpaio has spent more than $7 million trying to keep his job.

"It's out of my hands. I've done my best stayed the course true to who I am. I leave it to the hands of the voters, that's the beat of America, I expect it to turn out well for us but if it doesn't I'm still the same man the following day," said Penzone.

"I tell you one thing, if I am rehired this sheriff will do what he feels is right for the people and I'm not going to back down," said Arpaio on Sunday.

In the county to the immediate south of metro Phoenix, Republican incumbent Paul Babeu won in his bid for a second term as Pinal County sheriff.

Babeu faced Democrat Kevin Taylor and independent Ty Morgan.

Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio wins 6th term - FOX 10 News - Phoenix, AZ | KSAZ-TV