America’s immigration lawman, Maricopa County, Ariz., Sheriff Joe Arpaio, is facing his toughest election ever, with a new poll giving him just a 50-50 chance of winning his seventh term.
Some 50 percent of voters in the county would reelect Arpaio, dubbed “America’s Toughest Sheriff.” Another 49 percent wouldn’t, well within the MBQF Consulting survey’s margin of error.
The controversial sheriff and foe of illegal immigration has been under fire for years from state and federal critics, but has announced he wants another term. The 83-year-old is so far just facing opponents he has beaten before.
AP Photo
In 2012, Arpaio won with 53 percent of the vote and toyed with a gubernatorial bid before announcing plans to run for sheriff again.
Pollster Michael Noble said in a statement provided to Secrets:
“With Maricopa County voters split on whether America’s Toughest Sheriff deserves another four years, the data shows Sheriff Joe will have his toughest campaign ever. Republicans, Democrats, and Independents are near evenly split. In addition, a small plurality of county voters say they are open to paying more for education. With most eyes focused on the Presidential election next November, Arizona voters have some big choices.”
Paul Bedard, the Washington Examiner’s “Washington Secrets” columnist, can be contacted at [email protected].
