Arpaio Will Chair Rick Perry’s Arizona Campaign
CBS News
AUSTIN, Texas – In a move to reassure conservatives who think he’s soft on illegal immigration, Gov. Rick Perry announced Friday that controversial Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio will chair his campaign in Arizona.
Although admired by conservatives for his get-tough approach to controlling illegal immigration in his Southern Arizona county, Arpaio is facing allegations by the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division on a wide range of issues, including claims of practicing a pattern of racial profiling and discrimination and carrying out heavy-handed immigration patrols based on racially charged citizen complaints.
Arpaio endorsed Perry in the Republican primary before the federal investigation surfaced, and he campaigned for Perry in both Iowa and New Hampshire.
Since the Justice Department probe came to light, Perry has defended Arpaio, telling Fox News in December that “these people are out after Sheriff Joe.” The sheriff’s support is meant in part to bolster Perry’s record as tough on immigration. He has taken heat from conservatives for a Texas law he signed granting in-state college tuition to the children of illegal immigrants.
Also on Friday, Perry filed the required documents to get on GOP primary ballots in Arizona, Illinois, Ohio, Vermont and Washington, D.C.
“As my campaign for president moves forward, our superior organization and resources allow me to compete nationwide, where I’m confident our unmatched jobs record, conservative fiscal and social policies, and status as the only Washington outsider can win over Republican voters,” Perry said in a statement.
Wild Thing’s comment……….
I am thrilled Perry has asked Sheriff Joe to do this. They are a good team.
We need Sheriff Joe as director of homeland security. We need someone who will uphold our laws against illegal immigration.
If Gov Perry was to win the White House can you just imagine his picks for staff and Cabinet positions as well as judicial appointments. There would be a place for Sherrif Joe. Also, you know there would be a very high position for John Bolton. Maybe SecState. Yeah!
Bob, that would be great.
Tom, big smile, yes , just thinking about the various people he might pick. Bolton yes he would be great for Sec State.