Sheriff Arpaio to campaign with Perry
Hudson, New Hampshire (CNN) - Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio of Arizona will campaign with Rick Perry in New Hampshire on Tuesday, the Texas governor's campaign told CNN on Saturday.
The man famous for his tough stance on illegal immigration has not endorsed a presidential candidate, though he has been courted by the likes of Minnesota Rep. Michele Bachmann, businessman Herman Cain, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney and Perry.
Arpaio is a hard-liner on illegal immigration in a state known for its tough 2010 law on the issue. Among other provisions of the law, it would require that local police, during the enforcement of other laws, check the immigration status of anyone they suspected of being undocumented.
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit said the measure overstepped Arizona's authority, and the state is seeking a U.S. Supreme Court ruling to settle the issue.
Arpaio's endorsement could be helpful to Perry, who has been the subject of criticism from conservatives for some of his actions on illegal immigration.
Perry caused a firestorm of complaints when he suggested people didn't "have a heart" if they did not support educating the children of illegal immigrants.
The governor later said his remarks were "inappropriate."
Arpaio is a well-known and controversial personality who is running for his sixth term as sheriff. In an interview with CNN earlier this month he brushed off concerns about a federal investigation into abuse of power and allegations of racial profiling by his office.
Perry will spend three days in New Hampshire on his eighth visit to the state, where he ranks in the single digits in recent polls.
- CNN's Ed Lavandera and Tracy Sabo contributed to this report.
Yet another dumb Perry move.
Don't do it Joe! Perry is soft on immigration. This will backfire on the good sheriff.
Arpaio is a pig headed jerk who is unfit to be dog-catcher, let alone sheriff. Its not only his stance on illegal aliens that is troubling. The way he runs his jail is very unprofessional and shows a level of ignorance that is appalling. I think the only people he appeals to are the bud drinking redneck crowd.
Sheriff is the man fit to run for President.
Instead of Hawaiian limpbizkit we have now, centrist Romney, etc.
But the Sheep will not elect people like Shrif Arpaio b/c by definition masses IQ level is too low. Democracy is a myth, it never existed even in country from which we borrwed term – Demos Kratos means power of the masses in Ancient Greece, by masses they meant actually "males of fighting age". I hope this Sheriff could be picked at least for V.P. position.
Hey Joe,don't forget to put your swastika on before you leave home.
Why is Arpaio not in jail for crimes against humanity? God will judge this monster!
Arpaio should run for President
Arpaio is going to CAMPAIGN with Perry is not NEWS!!!
Sarah Palin is going to ENDORSE Perry is not NEWS!!!
Palin, Trump, Cain, Perry, Arpaio, etc, are bad luck to Republican Party. I reckon Obama is going to serve another term!