Babeu, Voyles team up on election ticket

Pinal County Sheriff Paul Babeu and criminal prosecutor Lando Voyles announced the formation of their Law and Order Team Wednesday as they filed their nomination papers to earn a place on the ballot.

Babeu is running for reelection to sheriff and Voyles is running for Pinal County attorney.

Each office is elected separately, and this is the first time two countywide candidates have formed a ticket and will share campaign expenses.

“Arresting criminals does not ensure that victims will receive justice,” Babeu said. “When prosecutors favor plea deals and refuse to take criminals to trial, justice is compromised and criminals are empowered to repeat their crimes. Lando Voyles is a prosecutor, who sends murderers, gang members, drug dealers and sexual offenders to prison.”

Voyles said, "Sheriff Paul's work is only partially effective and he needs the help of a trained prosecutor who agrees with strict enforcement of all the laws. I will not allow criminals to go free and to avoid the stiffest penalty allowed under law.”

Babeu is a retired Army major, an Iraq War veteran and commanded 700 soldiers with Task Force Yuma. He was selected as America's 2011 Sheriff of the Year and has been a national leader on border security, fighting illegal immigration and Fast and Furious. He graduated as the No. 1 cadet from the police academy and was awarded two life-saving medals as a Chandler patrol officer. He earned an associate’s degree in law enforcement, bachelor's in history and masters in public administration.