Jan Brewer thinks Paul Penzone will have tough time beating Sheriff Joe Arpaio
Apr 12, 2016, 5:33 PM
(Facebook Photo)
(Facebook Photo)
PHOENIX — The self-proclaimed “toughest sheriff in America” is saddling up to run for his seventh term as Maricopa County’s chief lawman, and former Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer thinks he’ll be tough to dethrone.
“I know (Paul) Penzone and I think he’s got a stellar reputation,” Brewer told KTAR News 92.3 FM’s Mac and Gaydos.”But I think Joe has such a base of followers, and he’s got so much money stashed away that it would be tough to beat Joe Arpaio.”
Penzone entered the mix earlier this month, though he claimed running again had nothing to do with Arpaio.
This is Penzone’s second attempt to end Arpaio’s 23-year reign as sheriff. In 2012, Arpaio defeated Penzone by 6 percentage points.
“After mounting the toughest challenge of Sheriff Joe Arpaio’s reign in 2012, Paul Penzone is ready to finish what he started,” Penzone’s campaign said in a press release.
Despite numerous lawsuits that have cost Maricopa County taxpayers at least $38 million and some negative press, the former Arizona governor thinks Arpaio will hold his rank for another term.
“He’s got obstacles he’ll have to overcome. But he can do it every time. It’s one of those stories that’s a little bit like Mr. (Donald) Trump. They just seem to overcome everything,” Brewer said.
