Apparently “America’s Toughest Sheriff” and foe of many Latino voters, Joe Arpaio is getting ready to endorse Governor Rick Perry for President. Though many of the Republican contenders have sought this endorsement, some going out to meet with the sheriff personally, apparently Perry has garnered his support.
CNN and other news outlets are also reporting that Arpaio will join Perry’s campaign in New Hampshire next week. Perry who once said those who opposed educating the undocumented “don’t have a heart” has been trying to distance himself from that statement and Texas’ version of the Dream Act he supported.
An endorsement from Arpaio will probably help assure voters that Perry is tough on immigration. However, it is not likely to endear Perry to Latino voters who see Sheriff Arpaio as anti-Latino and only know him for his tough stance on illegal immigration.
Perry clearly is not bothered by the numerous federal investigations into abuse of power that Arpaio has undergone nor is he apparently bothered by charges that Arpaio violates the civil rights of the undocumented immigrants he arrests.
