I keep hearing about politicos and politicians say things like “whoever has the most money” will win the election for Maricopa County Sheriff’s department.

If that is the case, then does that mean Sheriff Joe Arpaio will automatically win the 2012 elections with his $5 million dollar war chest?

Not hardly.

So why are politicians saying this?

More than likely they have been struck with fear since their districts have been redrawn.

For instance, legislative district 18 looks completely different now.  According to a report from the Maricopa County Recorder’s Information System Center dated April 9, 2012, there were 38% registered Republicans, 35% registered Independents (or other), and 25% registered Democrats in LD 18.   But now the “new” LD 18 has approximately 33% democrats instead of just 25%.  It looks like Jerry Lewis might start schmoozing up to more Democratic voters due to the 8 point change with the new redistricting lines.

Old Legislative District 18 in blue, and new LD 18 in red shaded area in orange circle.

So let’s compare the Democratic candidates today, shall we?

You have Democratic candidate John Rowan who used to be an assistant to the Police Chief — so he kind of has a bit of executive experience, and on the other hand, you have another Democratic Paul Penzone who is a mere retired Phoenix Sergeant with no “command” or lieutenant experience at all. In fact, James King, who used to write for the Phoenix New Times said it best when he equated Paul to a Nancy Grace suck-up when he wrote about the priciest Sheriff Joe Arpaio.

Nobody has submitted their signatures to be on the ballot for Maricopa County Sheriff, yet, except for one man — Lt. Mike Stauffer.  Mike Stauffer has held command positions and it will take a person with “command” experience to convince Independents, Moderate Republicans, Blue Dogs,  and female voters to win this thing.  It doesn’t take “just money” … it takes convincing voters (you know, the people who go to the polls and vote).

Yes, campaigns need money — and Mike Stauffer has that, however, MONEY WILL NOT BUY VOTERS WHEN THEY MAKE THEIR DECISIONS AT THE POLLS.

From the Stauffer campaign:

While my opponents are busy amassing money and cozying up to special interests, I have been working on real solutions and plans that will be implemented when I take office.

I have also been talking directly to you, the people of Maricopa County. Walking neighborhoods and speaking to small groups provide me with the opportunity to hear your concerns. I will carry on this accessibility and outreach to you when I take office as your sheriff.

Here is an overview of solutions for MCSO:
http://www.votestauffer.com/Stauffer2012/The_Mission.html

Now that I have qualified for the November ballot with the largest number of nominating signatures for the office

Lt. Mike Stauffer for Sheriff 2012

of sheriff in at least the last 20 years, our campaign will be moving on to the next step on our road to victory.

Unlike my opponents, I am not playing politics. I am presenting you with my professional experience and with real plans to bring an organizational and cultural change to the MCSO. This is what you would expect of any applicant for a position of this kind. I stepped up to the plate two and a half years ago, committed to bring my 29 years of law enforcement and administrative experience to the task of restoring professionalism, integrity, and dignity to the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office.

We should no longer accept the empty suit candidates hungry for power and lacking experience or credible plans for moving the office forward. Our campaign has been and will continue to be engaged in a countywide, community oriented presentation of our concrete plans directly to the people.

My 30 year record speaks for its self. I encourage each of you to examine my work experience, my record, and engage me in the tough questions. It’s Time for real solutions and getting the job done.