This is an open letter to Police Lt. Mike Stauffer, the Independent candidate for Maricopa County Sheriff.

Dear Lt. Stauffer: From what I know of you, I’m impressed with your police credentials and your genuine interest in giving Maricopa County an honest, clear-eyed sheriff. I think you’d probably be a great Sheriff. But unfortunately, it’s not in the cards.

The latest poll shows your independent campaign is getting around 8 percent support.

The same poll shows Arpaio with 45 percent support. And his Democratic challenger, Paul Penzone, with 39 percent.

Simple math says it all: If your 8 percent were added to Penzone’s 39, the 47 percent would be two points AHEAD of Arpaio. It would be the first time in the last two decades that Arpaio would be LAGGING in the polls! And the first time there was a REAL chance of getting him out of office.

Even if the poll numbers are off a little, the point is still crystal clear. Without you in the race, Penzone has a chance to unseat Arpaio. With you staying in the race, you’re making it a certainty that Arpaio will be reelected.

I really wish that wouldn’t happen. I’ve written dozens of stories about Arpaio, finding his failings both deadly and expensive. Maybe you read some of those stories. Obviously you came to the same conclusion the facts show: Sheriff Joe Arpaio is a lousy sheriff and needs to go.

So I’m respectfully asking that you not guarantee he remains in office. I respectfully ask that you withdraw from the race and throw your support behind Penzone and the two of you can defeat Arpaio together.

Thank you for considering my request. jana
long-time sheriff.