Why I’m supporting Steve Smith for State Senate

As we face one of the most difficult times in our state’s history, Arizona needs strong and energetic leadership. Not only are we saddled with huge budget deficits, out-of-control spending, record unemployment, high taxes, and a border security and illegal immigration problem, but we are also combating well organized and very dangerous drug and human smuggling cartels who have no respect for the law and jeopardize the safety of our families.
 
My deputies and I deal with these criminal gangs every day and have not received the support we need from our current State Senator, Rebecca Rios. Even on important bills like SB1070, which gave us the tools we need to help combat this epidemic, Rios refused to support us and she voted No. 
 
For this and many other reasons, I am supporting Steve Smith in the race for State Senate.  Steve is committed to fighting illegal immigration and these dangerous Drug Cartels. This week alone, Pinal County victim to a Mexican Drug Cartel hit, where Roberto Raya-Ortiz (age 31) was shot to death.  Relatives told investigators; Raya-Ortiz was involved with drug trafficking from Mexico and that he was responsible for transporting “scouts” to various locations in Pinal County.
 
In another incident, our Pinal Deputies chased two Cartel Members armed with AK-47’s into the desert south of I-8, in the very location where Deputy Puroll was ambushed by 6 armed cartel members.
 
In yet another incident this week, a human smuggler rammed an undercover Department of Public Safety vehicle, got out of his truck and beat up a uniformed officer before stealing and escaping in a fully marked patrol vehicle. The illegal smuggler fled at high speeds on Interstate 10 toward Phoenix.
 
As you already know, our fellow Pinal residents have had their homes broken into, where food, guns and ammunition have been stolen and used to re-supply scouts on hilltops. Why has it become such a difficult fight to get the support I need to protect our families?

We must not play political games when it comes to the safety of our citizens. We need principled, sound leadership that is not afraid to make tough decisions. Steve Smith will better support law enforcement and provide the resources I need to keep Pinal County safe. Steve is committed to keeping Arizona safe for not only his family, but yours as well. Join me in supporting Steve Smith for State Senator this Tuesday, Nov. 2.
 
Paul Babeu is Sheriff of Pinal County

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