Goldman: Rogers campaign using homophobic intimidation against Babeu

Aug 6, 2016

By Barry R. Goldman

Attacking a person because of his or her sexual orientation is deplorable. No matter your religious or political preferences, there is a common bond held between all of us — we are all individuals and differ in ways large and small. Some say we are all God’s children, others have a differing version of our origins.

I’ve known Paul Babeu for a couple of years. I’ve seen the lawman side as well as the politician side of him. Make no mistake, he is a politician — much like Daryl Gates was while he headed up the LAPD. A good leader with significant aspirations. But describing him as a politician is a rather singular and one-dimensional analysis. That one-dimensional description doesn’t come close to describing Paul Babeu as the man. I’ve also been privileged to have glimpsed the personal side of him, and he’s a very diverse individual.

So when a character assassination mailer from those backing Wendy Rogers came, the hair on the back of my neck started standing up. It was disturbing, to say the least. The homophobic slur and allegations printed in that mailer were nothing less than bigoted, capitalizing on unfounded fears. Being generous, one might describe it as an example of sub-par tabloid journalism. Whether that hit piece mailer came directly from Rogers, excuses aside, Rogers’ complicity is plainly apparent in my opinion.

Sheriff Babeu was recently endorsed by former Gov. Jan Brewer. The statement issued by Rogers responding to the endorsement by former Gov. Brewer is remarkably similar to that hit piece mailer, full of supposition and assumption worthy of a soap opera script. For her to attempt criticism of Sheriff Babeu by saying, “I guess…”, “…probably…” and “…perhaps…” not only tells me she is misinformed, but unsure of her facts and investigatively incompetent. Her claim that Paul Babeu is unqualified not only expresses her “probable” assumption, but seems self-reflective of her own opinion as “…probably the least qualified person to ever run for this congressional seat.”

Yellow journalism and muckraking are evident from the Rogers campaign. What should one believe about a piece of tabloid sensationalism that conveys her as the better candidate? I know what I believe. It’s garbage. The Rogers campaign has resorted to bottom feeding sensationalism to try to convince voters of her “qualities.” Unfortunately, that negative portrayal of the sheriff is nothing less than fear mongering by ignorance.

The sheriff’s detractors point out his sexual orientation makes him somehow less qualified to lead, or less qualified to represent the people within CD1. They are wrong on both counts. The sheriff’s personal relationships make no difference to me — he’s been a proven leader and the person I have confidence in to represent our interests. While I respect him for his diligence, perseverance and honor in the performance of his duties, his personal life is just that – personal. I haven’t asked and he hasn’t told. It’s not my business. And it’s nobody else’s, either.

So please take note, Lt. Col. Rogers — when your campaign or political action committee seeks to lure voters by fear, intimidation and sheer ignorance, you, as a candidate are not worthy of my vote. It doesn’t matter who endorses you – especially if the person endorsing your candidacy has had a long-standing personal family feud with your opponent which you seek to capitalize on.

I believe you and your people have seriously underestimated the intelligence and decision-making ability of the voters in CD1. Shame on you.

Barry Goldman is a resident of Maricopa.