Former Phoenix cop aims to replace Arpaio

A second challenger to Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio has filed his signatures to get on the ballot. 

Wednesday morning, former Phoenix police officer Paul Penzone brought some 6,000 petition signatures to the county elections department. After turning in the signatures, Penzone outlined his priorities.

"It comes down to three core values – everything else is there just to confuse the message," Penzone said. "I will tell you right now, it’s about public safety, it is about integrity, and it is about fiscal responsibility."

Penzone’s supporters at the event included former Congressman Harry Mitchell, former U.S. Attorney Paul Charlton, and former Diamondbacks CEO Rich Dozer. But his wealth of endorsements hasn’t yet translated into campaign cash.

Penzone said he’s raised about $125,000; Arpaio’s most recent campaign finance report showed the sheriff has about $3.4 million. But Penzone said money won’t determine this race.

"The sheriff’s record is one of disappointment, and the community will not allow him to buy his way out of that," he said.

Independent candidate Mike Stauffer has already submitted his signatures. Another Democrat, John Rowan, has yet to file.