AZ-Gov: Goddard Looks Good, But Watch Out for Arpaio

[ccharles000]

Rasmussen (11/18, likely voters, 9/27 in parentheses, primary numbers here):

Terry Goddard (D): 44 (42)
Jan Brewer (R-inc): 35 (35)
Some other: 9 (13)
Not sure: 12 (11)

Terry Goddard (D): 39
Joe Arpaio (R): 51
Some other: 7
Not sure: 4

Terry Goddard (D): 40
Dean Martin (R): 38
Some other: 11
Not sure: 1

Joe Arpaio (R): 47
Dean Martin (R): 22
Jan Brewer (R): 10
John Munger (R): 6
Vernon Parker (R): 6
Some other: 3
Not sure: 7
(MoE: ±3%)

Rasmussen is the first pollster to try out Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio in gubernatorial polls, and find he does really well, winning the GOP primary by a wide margin and also being the only Republican who can beat Democratic AG Terry Goddard (the appointed incumbent, Jan Brewer, who's at 39/57 approval, certainly can't). That seems to be mostly a name recognition issue: Arpaio is well-known both statewide and in nationwide anti-immigrant circles for his over-the-top efforts to fight illegal immigration, and he's at 63/31 favorables (which seems to suggest not too many Latinos fit through their likely voter screen!). (He may be best known for other ham-handed tactics, including resumption of chain gangs, pink underwear for inmates, and housing overflow prisoners in tents.)

The thing is, Arpaio hasn't given any indication that he's running. There have been a few burbles of interest from his camp, but they seem more motivated by Arpaio's ongoing conflicts with Goddard and his desire to yank Goddard's chain. The two have clashed not only on immigration enforcement (Goddard is following Obama administration policy to move away from raids as a tactic), but also on ethics, as Goddard is investigating the Sheriff's Command Association for campaign finance violations and Arpaio is investigating Goddard over Goddard's investigation into former state Treasurer David Petersen (who later pled guilty to failing to report income). One other important, oft-overlooked detail: Arpaio is no spring chicken, at 77.

http://www.swingstateproject.com/diary/5934/azgov-goddard-looks-good-but-watch-out-for-arpaio

[Sebastian Doyle]

1. Dean Martin?

So even a dead guy can win as a Repuke in Arizona? I thought you only had to be BRAIN dead (i.e. McCain, Kyl, Shaddeg, Arpaio, etc.)

[rufus dog]

2. Does that just blow your fucking mind!

A racist ignorant brown shirt would win! And for those of you not familiar with AZ politics just Google Evan Mecham. Arizona, the Mississippi of the Southwest. Can Bruce Babbitt run? Where is Fife Symmington? Last time I visited that lovely state he was being promoted as a potential Gov., again! Because being a disgraced bank fraud Gov with an R by your name is OK in that fucking state.

(Damn I am glad I left that state as soon as I completed my College education at ASU.... I know somewhat of an oxymoron.) AND THE SUN DEVILS FOOTBALL TEAM SUCKS TOO!