Paul Babeu, an Arizona sheriff has opted to drop his bid for a congressional seat after his campaign ran into a problem when it was disclosed he was gay during allegations that he had threatened a former boyfriend with deportation. Babeu said he would just run for reelection to his sheriff’s post.
Babeu is a conservative Republican known for his hard stance on border security and illegal immigration. He had been considered a strong choice in a primary in the Fourth Congressional District that covers much of the northwestern area of Arizona.
In February, his image became tarnished when his ex-boyfriend, an ex-campaign volunteer, alleged that the sheriff had threatened to deport him if their relationship was disclosed. At that time, a photo of the sheriff without a shirt on was posted on a dating website for gays.
Babeu said in an interview he was still a viable candidate and said the race would have been a close one for the congressional seat, but his concern for the people that the sheriff’s department serves, was instrumental in his decision to run just for the sheriff’s position.
Most feel that the chances for Babeu to be reelected sheriff are very good. He has some explaining to do said one analyst, but it will be easier to explain to those who know him well.
