Associated Press
FLORENCE, Ariz. — A conservative Arizona sheriff who announced he is gay amid allegations of abuse of power says he is no longer running for Congress.
Pinal County sheriff Paul Babeu’s campaign said Friday that he is dropping out of Arizona’s 4th Congressional District race and will instead seek re-election as sheriff.
The Republican lawman is known for his stance on illegal immigration and border security. His image took a beating this year when a former boyfriend claimed the sheriff threatened him with deportation.
It led to Babeu stepping down as co-chairman for Mitt Romney’s Arizona campaign.
Babeu says he wants to seek re-election as sheriff instead because his chief deputy cannot run for the office and that he had promised his constituents a continuity of leadership when he began his congressional bid.
Copyright 2012 Associated Press