Pinal County Sheriff Paul Babeu, whose congressional campaign took a hit when he disclosed that he was gay amid allegations that he threatened a former Mexican boyfriend with deportation, dropped out Friday, opting to run for re-election as sheriff instead.
Babeu, a Republican, is known for his hardline stance on illegal immigration and border security and was considered a strong candidate in a three-way primary in the 4th Congressional District, which covers most of northwestern Arizona.
His image took a beating in February when the boyfriend, a former campaign volunteer, claimed the sheriff threatened him with deportation if he disclosed their relationship. At the time, a picture of a shirtless Babeu was posted on a gay dating website.
After Babeu’s disclosures, he stepped down as co-chairman for likely Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney’s Arizona campaign and his fundraising dropped.
In the announcement ending his congressional run, Babeu said he wants to seek re-election as sheriff because his chief deputy cannot run for the office. Babeu cited an earlier promise to constituents that he would maintain a continuity of leadership.
soricobob posted at 7:10 am on Sat, May 12, 2012.
Let's see, accused of being gay (admits it), boyfriend accuses him of abuse of power (denies it), sheriff department he heads has budget overrun (denies it), deputies blame him for problems (denies it), won't resign to run for office (law doesn't apply to him), deputies running for his seat, he withdraws from race to run for sheriff; do I have that right? Boy, is Pinal County lucky to have such a dedicated individual.
IceCat posted at 7:58 am on Sat, May 12, 2012.
Chandler PD apparently didn't do a good enough background investigation, or Babeu omitted some information about his past, because their is no way he should have been hired.
Remember voters of Pinal County, running for re-election as Sheriff is his second choice, he needs to stay on the public payroll.
And his grant plan to serve two terms in Congress and then run to replace McCain is gone.
downtownresident posted at 8:50 pm on Sun, May 13, 2012.
Looks like he took it in the shorts this time.:>)
exit526 posted at 10:03 pm on Sun, May 13, 2012.
Before that grand plan of Congress, he was going to run for re-election as sheriff (to staff he often reminded: you are here to make me look good) in 2012 and the quit to run and be elected as Governor. After one term he intended to run for President.
Don't laugh, those were his words several times to his upper staff.
We need to ask one of those guys if it is better to be on Babeu's upper staff or is it okay just to be on the staff in general.
hillstreet posted at 9:17 am on Mon, May 14, 2012.
Just when we thought it was safe to get back in the water...
Looks like we won't be rid of his ethical pygmy anytime soon. Too many rubes, psychopants, hangers-on, and mentally ill voters will cast their vote for this dude.
Babeu and Arpaio are the best justification yet for charter government rule and counties recruiting and selecting the most qualified law enforcement professionals for sheriff, rather than unqualified clowns. Babeu's police experience wouldn't even get him promoted to sergeant in a real police department.