Sheriff Babeu considers run for Congress
He's formed an exploratory committee for house bid in proposed Congressional District 4
Reporter: Claire Doan
PHOENIX (KGUN9-TV) – Pinal County Sheriff Paul Babeu is contemplating a run for Congress and has formed an exploratory committee to gauge support.
Babeu tells 9 On Your Side he is eyeing the open seat in Arizona’s proposed, newly-drawn Congressional District 4, which includes part of Pinal, Yavapai, Mohave, La Paz and Yuma counties.
The Sheriff said the real deficit in Washington is one of leadership, and that’s why he’s considering a House bid.
“A lot of people may like and support m as sheriff, but do they want me to represent them as congressman?” Babeu said. “This is a call for me. How can I best serve and represent my country?”
The 42-year-old said he is thinking about running for a congressional seat in 2012, partly at the urging of his supporters, and partly to represent Arizona by tackling some tough issues: reducing the national debt; fixing the Fast and Furious program, ATF’s botched gunrunning operation; and shedding light on challenges at the border, which he claims he knows more about than Secretary Janet Napolitano.
“This is about our country. This is about public safety, and national security everyday tramples partisan politics. So I want people to know my duty to my country is first, prior to my political involvement or activities,” Babeu said.
The possible political newcomer said he could take the easier route by staying sheriff for Pinal County, given his landslide victory in 2008. However, his years in the Army National Guard, his tour of duty in Iraq and his work commanding Task Force Yuma are experiences Babeu believes he could bring to his role as lawmaker.
9 On Your Side’s Claire Doan asked Babeu about the possibility of effecting greater, more tangible change as a sheriff than as a congressman.
“I believe we have made a tremendous difference. We’ve even tried to be the voice of reason, even on the emotional issues that a lot of people disagree on,” Babeu responded. “So people know there’s a thoughtful, reasoned approach to even complex issues and I’m afraid to go there and make tough decisions.”
Babeu said he will announce his decision in January.
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