First, let me say how much your friendship and support means to me. When I announced my candidacy for Congress, I promised the citizens of Pinal County that I would ensure continuity of leadership in the Sheriff’s Office. Chief Deputy Steve Henry’s candidacy not only ensured continuity of leadership, it also safeguarded the improved service we’ve delivered to Pinal families with the same passion and commitment since taking office.

The federal Office of Special Counsel has advised Chief Henry that because our office receives federal funds and Steve supervises those who are in control of federal funds, he is not able to run for Sheriff while serving as our Chief Deputy.

Chief Henry was left three choices, resign his position as Chief Deputy and run for Sheriff, withdraw his candidacy for Sheriff or transfer to a non-leadership position within our office where he would not supervise anybody who handles any federal funding. Forget the politics, none of these options are good to maintain continued success of our Sheriff’s Office. I have decided to end our congressional campaign and seek re-election as Pinal County Sheriff. Yesterday, I informed my campaign staff and our finance team of my decision to run for re-election.

Improvements in service and performance is obvious to residents and evidenced by response times being cut in half, quality annual training and state of the art equipment for staff. The 1,500 inmate Jail in Florence achieved national accreditation, becoming Arizona’s only Jail achieving this high distinction and validation of excellence.

We have enforced all laws and our deputies led the largest drug bust in Arizona history against the Sinaloa $2-3 Billion Cartel operation, netting 76 arrests and seizing 108 weapons. We have created an air operation with 2 helicopters and piper cub fixed wing aircraft at no cost to Pinal taxpayers. We have helped shape discussion on national issues of public safety, border security, illegal immigration, fighting Mexican Drug Cartels, exposing Fast and Furious and defending the constitution.

Only three years ago, just 27 patrol cars had computers to write reports, view maps and receive dispatched calls. Now every vehicle is fully equipped with the most modern equipment. Deputies and Detention Officers were not even trained or certified in First Aid and CPR training, now everyone is certified and countless lives saved by our first responders. The volunteer ranks in our Citizens on Patrol have tripled and a youth Explorer leadership program was created and has earned statewide awards in competition and volunteerism.

I thank all my friends and supporters for their help and loyal support. I ask that you understand my promise to those I serve in Pinal County. The most important issues, our performance and results as Sheriff have brought our Sheriff’s Office to prominence and this must continue. Many Pinal residents have asked me to stay as their Sheriff and continue this fight. Many worried that my voice and impact would be lost if elected as one of 435 members of Congress. I was elected because I listen and respond to the people I represent. I want to continue to serve as Sheriff and focus on performance and results of public safety. No one can argue that our Sheriff’s Office isn’t better off than four years ago.

While serving as Sheriff, I’ve always kept my promises. From ending photo radar, improving response times, providing quality training for nearly 700 full time staff and earning Jail accreditation. Every promise that I made was kept and delivered. We shall continue the true forward movement of law enforcement performance and results. In the end, that’s all that matters. I need your help and ask for your continued support as we seek re-election as Sheriff.

Respectfully,

Paul Babeu, Sheriff
Pinal County, Arizona

Babeu talks Border Battle in Pinal County: MyFoxPHOENIX.com

Sheriff Paul reminded these young adults that he believes in their bright future and encouraged students to set goals, persevere and follow their hearts to become successful.

Three years ago a Florence High senior died after a single vehicle car accident on graduation night. Several students were drinking and decided to drive. This event is to help prevent a similar tragedy.

Seems like that would be a good catch, right?

Think again.

Celis-Acosta was questioned that day, and then let go after a promise to “keep in touch” and cooperate. You can probably guess what happened next…

It wasn’t until 9 months later in February 2011, a month after Fast and Furious was shut down, that he was finally arrested. That was after the death of Border Patrol Agent, Brian Terry, and countless others who have lost their lives in Mexico.

How much more will be uncovered before someone is finally held accountable?

We run a highly disciplined operation, evidenced in improved emergency response times, obtaining national accreditation for our jail, and improved training and modern equipment for our staff. This is all done to provide top-shelf law enforcement to Pinal families.

We have no control over the rising fuel costs, which are near $4 a gallon. My Deputies still have to patrol and respond to emergencies in a county larger than three US states. We have prisoners to transport all over the state. Public safety is the core function of government and I’m using other sheriff’s office funds to pay for increased fuel costs.

I feel it’s important for you to know how high of a priority it is for me to balance my department’s budget.

This award means a lot to me because our second amendment rights are under constant attack, and I’m proud to be recognized for my efforts to defend those rights.

Through Operation Fast and Furious, Obama’s Justice Department transferred over 2,000 guns to Mexican drug cartels. These are the most dangerous criminals in North America, who have killed over 42,000 of their own people. Guns from “Fast and Furious” have turned up at crime scenes throughout Mexico, and were used to murder an American hero, Border Patrol Agent Brian Terry, on American soil.

Despite all that, the Obama Administration is blaming Americans and our honest, law-abiding gun dealers, suggesting that we need stricter gun laws.

Are you as outraged by this as I am?

If so, let me know by leaving a comment on my Facebook page or let me know via Twitter. If you’re able to make a contribution to help me continue my campaign to defend our second amendment rights, you can do so here.

Thank you for your support – together we can fight those who seek to restrict our freedom as Americans.

Since then, I’ve received an outpouring of supportive messages from family, friends and supporters, and it really means a lot to me – I wish I had time to respond to every message so you know how much I truly appreciate it.

Yesterday, I appeared on CNN’s The Situation Room for a conversation with Wolf Blitzer to set the record straight about those allegations and the false reporting about me that has persisted over the past few days. I want to be judged on my service: 20 years in the military, two deployments (including one in Iraq), a police officer who has responded to thousands of calls for help, and a Sheriff who has cut response times while reducing my own budget.

I hope you will stand with me as I move forward and continue my efforts to bring attention to the issues that really matter in this election year: securing our border and ending the record debt and deficit spending that is stalling our economy and bankrupting the country we all love.

Many of you have asked how you can help – and for that I am forever grateful. If you are interested in making a donation to my campaign, click here. If you are interested in volunteering on the campaign, click here. And if you simply want to spread the word to your family and friends, you can do so through my Facebook and Twitter accounts.

Together let’s show America what we stand for – a secure border, sound fiscal policy, and standing up for our Constitution.

Thank you for your support.

Yesterday, a tabloid article made a number of false allegations about me. Only one was true: I’m gay. Today, I held a press conference to discuss this. I want to be judged on my service: 20 years in the military, two deployments – including one in Iraq, a police officer who has responded to thousands of calls for help, and a Sheriff who has cut response times while reducing my own budget. I hope you will stand with me as we talk about the issues that matter: securing our border and ending the record debt and deficit spending that is stalling our economy and bankrupting the country we all love.