Maricopa Sheriff Joe Arpaio Wins Sixth Term

Nov. 06, 2012 — -- Republican lawman Joe Arpaio won a sixth term as sheriff of Maricopa County, Arizona, when retired Phoenix Police Sergeant Paul Penzone conceded on Tuesday night. Penzone spokesperson Stacy Pearson confirmed the concession via email.

Arpaio faced criticism from opposition groups during the campaign. Lobbying groups like Citizens for a Better Arizona dogged him for inadequately investigating hundreds of sex crimes cases and for allegations that the sheriff's office has engaged in racial profiling.

First elected in 1992, the 80-year-old Arpaio was the favorite to win the race, out-fundraising Penzone, $8.5 million to $530,000. According to The New York Times, Arpaio's war chest was "way more than any other candidate vying for local elected office in the history of the state."

The Maricopa County Sheriff's Office is currently a defendant in two high-profile lawsuits related to racial profiling, one brought by the American Civil Liberties Union and another by the Civil Rights Division of the U.S. Department of Justice.

Last week, Arpaio spoke to Reuters about criticism of his role as sheriff:

"When you try to do your job, and you are a little controversial, some people don't like it. That's the way it is."

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