Babeu exploring Congressional run

Pinal County Sheriff Paul Babeu announced today the formation of an exploratory committee for the U.S. Congress, District 4.

The new committee will allow Babeu to travel the district and measure support for a full-fledged Congressional run. A final decision is planned for early next year.

He is taking donations through his website, www.sheriffpaul.com/meet-paul/.

“I believe the real deficit in Washington is one of leadership,” Babeu said in a released statement. “Almost three years after the $800 billion stimulus disaster, nearly one in 10 Americans is unemployed. In some of our communities that number is more than double. Meanwhile, we have a $14 trillion national debt with budgets in the red as far as the eye can see."

All of the state’s Congressional districts have been redrawn from the ground up. A redistricting committing has drawn the District 4 to include parts of at least six current districts. It will include part of northern Pinal County.

A retired U.S. Army National Guard major, Babeu was elected sheriff in 2008, becoming the first Republican ever elected to that office.

Earlier this year he was voted Sheriff of the Year by his colleagues in the National Sheriff's Association.

He is an ardent supporter of stronger legislation for a secure border between the United States and Mexico.