Couldn't happen to a nicer person or come at a better time—just counting down the days now till voters weigh in on the future of Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio. In the meantime, his constituents can ponder Arpaio’s newfound status as a perp, writes Jacques Billeaud:
The longtime sheriff of metropolitan Phoenix has been charged with criminal contempt-of-court for ignoring a judge's order in a racial-profiling case, leaving the 84-year-old lawman in a tough spot two weeks before Election Day as he seeks a seventh term.
The U.S. Department of Justice promised two weeks ago that it would prosecute Sheriff Joe Arpaio, but the misdemeanor count wasn't officially filed against him until Tuesday, when U.S. District Judge Susan Bolton signed it.
Arpaio could face up to six months in jail if convicted. A misdemeanor conviction would not bar Arpaio from serving as sheriff.
But voters could bar him from serving and, based on the polls, it seems a number of them don't want poor Joe to face the awful dilemma of upholding the law while being convicted of transgressing it.
How about it? Can you pitch in $3 to send Arpaio packing and help elect Daily Kos endorsed Paul Penzone to uphold the law?
Frustrated you don't live in a swing state? No matter where you live, MoveOn has a great way for you to get involved where it matters most. Check it out!