Controversial Arizona Sheriff to Endorse Rick Perry, Sources Say

Published December 23, 2015

Controversial Arizona sheriff Joe Arpaio, known for his tough stance on illegal immigration, will endorse Texas Gov. Rick Perry for the Republican presidential nomination, sources told NBC News.

Arpaio, a much sought-after endorsement for the GOP field, will campaign with Perry in New Hampshire on Tuesday, the governor's campaign said.

Arpaio, of Maricopa County, just outside Phoenix, has gained a national reputation as an anti-illegal immigration firebrand, using his local agency to round up undocumented immigrants and turning them over to federal officials for deportation.

A media fixture on cable news shows, Arpaio describes himself as "America's Toughest Sheriff" and famously re-instituted chain gangs in 1995. He has also been a major supporter of his state's controversial immigration law.

His endorsement could prove helpful to Perry, who has faced criticism for some of his actions on illegal immigration.

The governor caused a backlash from conservatives when he said in a Republican presidential debate that those who oppose giving in-state tuition benefits to the children of illegal immigrants "have no heart."

Perry later said his remarks were "inappropriate."

Perry previously picked up endorsement from Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal.

URL

https://www.foxnews.com/politics/controversial-arizona-sheriff-to-endorse-rick-perry-sources-say