Thursday, September 3, 2009, 3:16pm MST
Arpaio may be considering run for governor
Phoenix Business Journal - by Mike Sunnucks

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Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio could be considering a run for governor in 2010, according to rumblings around town.

The Republican sheriff has toyed with the idea, but never pulled the trigger on a gubernatorial run.

Arpaio, 77, was elected to his fifth term as sheriff in November despite his image as a polarizing figure in the state.

Arpaio’s name comes up as Gov. Jan Brewer struggles to close a budget deal with the Legislature and her popularity among conservatives wanes after backing a sales tax increase referendum. State Treasurer Dean Martin also is pondering a run against Brewer in next year’s GOP primary.

Jason Rose, a political consultant who does work for the sheriff, said Arpaio is popular and could be formidable in next year’s governor’s race.

“Anyone with polling numbers like the sheriff must be taken seriously. And 2010 will be the year when wearing the badge of state government will be a political scarlet letter,â€