Posted on 10/29/2009 8:34:37 AM PDT by radar101
Arpaio for governor? New poll says he has the support
Email: dbiscobing@abc15.com
Arpaio for governor? Polls say he has the support
PHOENIX - Sheriff Joe Arpaio rarely keeps a low profile.
Never afraid of attention or controversy and always outspoken, he leaves little unsaid. And that includes a race for governor.
"There's an old saying in politics: Never say never," Arpaio said. "I know I would make an excellent governor."
Arpaio has not officially announced his candidacy, and he never may. But in recent weeks, he's teased and hinted. It's not the first time.
"Twice I've looked into it and had press conferences," Arpaio said.
If there are opinions that a county sheriff couldn't climb to the state's top spot, political experts say think again.
Arpaio is a political force. And everyone knows it.
"The sheriff is very popular," said pollster Bruce Merrill.
Merrill works for Arizona State University. He said anyway you cut it, Arpaio's numbers are strong.
"His (approval rating) is 65 percent positive, and thats about as good as it gets for most candidates," Merrill said
A poll came out this week that measured several state official's approval ratings.
Arpaio easily beat several other possible Republican candidates, and the only person who fared better was Democrat Terry Goddard at more than 70 percent approval.
At this point, other recent polls show Goddard wins big against any Republican.
But the Attorney General's name hasn't been tested against Arpaio.
"I have seen candidates like (Apraio) written off before, you have to be careful when you do that," Merrill said.
Arpaio is known largely as a one-issue candidate, focusing on immigration. But in politics, where the right topic and name recognition matter, one issue can be all it takes.
"I don't want to sound egotistical, but I know I can win," Arpaio said.
So will the Sheriff run? He said he's keeping his options open. And if he were to decide it would be by May.
If he doesn't, it's not because of a lack of confidence.
And either way, Arpaio will still likely be a factor. His staff said four candidates have already visited his office about an endorsement.
"I'm America's toughest sheriff," Apraio said. "It might take me two or three years to make me America's toughest governor."
Go for it Joe!
Bump.
If he can find someone to do the sherriff’s job.
In a country where the Baraqqi surge dominates SCM/MSM, Joe stands out as a beacon of hope.
If he wants to run for President with Joe Wurzelbacher as VP, he’s got my vote.
He’s 77 years old.
Write him in.
I would definitely vote for him (and I’m sure he’d win) but who would replace him as sheriff?
If not for residency requirements, they could take Peanuts Gaines (Warren Co., KY) for all I care if Arpaio ran for governor, and for that matter, I know a lot of my customers in a nearby county (Larue) would love to see Bobby Shoffner go away...
what is your point? Old man strength is nothing to ignore. My dad can still kick my butt and probably always will!
How about Senator.
Why not! Though I would rather see him challege McCain and win! It would be worth it to see Lindsey Graham try to cozy up to Sheriff Joe...LOL!
He needs to stay where he is. He is more effective that way.
I think that a lot of illegal alien supporters would love to have him run for Gov. Then he wouldn’t be enforcing laws related to illegal immigration anymore.
Stay Joe, stay Sheriff, please.
Bruce Merill did the poll? I wonder what his motivations are?
My point is that 78 is pretty old to be running for governor.
To help Goddard? (Maybe they're close "friends"?)
Hey Joe, why don't you skip the governor's office and go straight to the White House. This country is in dire need of a "Take no prisoners" President.
At least with Lindsey you don't have to ask the usual question for homos "Do you want to pitch or catch?". I believe Lindsey always wants to receive.
No run for Senator against McCain. Or if not mcCain against Flake since he supports amensty.
ping
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