Arpaio campaign gets $5.5 million from donors past 2 years

The money to re-elect Joe Arpaio keeps pouring in despite ongoing federal contempt-of-court proceedings in which the controversial Maricopa County sheriff is on the hot seat.

"We have seen an uptick in fundraising. Whether it's related to this case, I don't know," said Chad Willems, Arpaio's campaign manager. "A flurry of calls have come into the office, with people saying they want to contribute, whether it's with a credit card or check."

Over the past two years, Arpaio has raised nearly $5.5 million for his next election in November 2016, according to his campaign-finance reports filed with Maricopa County.

During that time, Arpaio and the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office have been accused, in an ongoing lawsuit, of racial profiling and defying a federal judge's orders in the case. On the witness stand April 23, Arpaio testified his attorney had hired a private investigator to look into a political remark made by the wife of the federal judge presiding over the case.

While the disclosure raised eyebrows and caused a flurry of media attention, Arpaio's campaign coffers have kept growing.

"In some ways, it's a unique situation. It's a question of whether or not they can turn their bad news into a narrative for their supporters," said Larry Noble, senior counsel for the non-partisan Campaign Legal Center, a Washington, D.C., non-profit that tracks campaign-finance issues. "It fits an argument that he makes, that it's 'us against them.' "

Arpaio boasts a fundraising list of more than 250,000 active donors in all 50 states, with the average contribution being $44.26, according to Willems.

Arpaio through the years

Willems said the sheriff's goal is to raise another $5 million, even though Arpaio so far has just token opposition. If successful, Arpaio would eclipse the record $8 million he raised to win re-election in 2012.

If Arpaio's campaign coffers exceed $10 million, that would be more than in some congressional races.

"He's made a national reputation for himself. He has capitalized on raising funds nationwide, which many sheriffs cannot do," Noble said.

Four other candidates have filed to run for sheriff in 2016: independent Kenneth Baker; Republican Roger Baldwin; and Democrats John Rowan and Tim Coomer. Coomer noted in his filing papers that he's an unemployed musician "looking for a gig."

None of the challengers had raised any money as of the filing date of their most recent campaign-finance reports.

While Arpaio has raised nearly $5.5 million since late 2012, his campaign has spent $3.4 million, most of that on raising more campaign cash for the 82-year-old sheriff. Arpaio currently has about $2 million in cash on hand, records show.

Payments totaling $2.75 million went to Summit Consulting Group, where Willems is president.

"We don't do the chicken dinner at the (Arizona) Biltmore where people come in with $2,000 checks and fill up the room. We are raising money at $10, $15 and $25 a clip, and there are expenses associated with that," Willems said. "There are costs associated with that when you are casting a wide net across the country."

Arpaio's campaign also paid $510,264 to Campaign Solutions, a Washington, D.C., group specializing in fundraising.

Pamela Anderson visits Sheriff Joe

Willems said Campaign Solutions gets a share of donations when it helps Arpaio raise money, but the sheriff's organization adds names of donors to its rolls in return.

"The vast majority of the money has gone to fundraising. Like any endeavor, it takes money to make money," Willems said. "When we go out and prospect, we have a 200 percent ROI (return on investment)."

Willems added that outside fundraising organizations have taken advantage of the sheriff's popularity with conservatives, using his image to raise money for their own causes. Last month, for example, a Denver-based organization called Restore American Liberty sent out a fundraising e-mail seeking money to help the sheriff.

The letter stated: "The White House has launched a frivolous lawsuit that claims Sheriff Joe Arpaio engages in 'racial profiling' and 'civil rights abuse.' This lawsuit is an attempt to stop Sheriff Joe Arpaio's raids on immigrant smugglers and businesses that hire illegal labor."

Willems said he's never heard of the group and it is not raising money for Arpaio. Attempts to reach Restore American Liberty were unsuccessful.

"We've had several groups trading on the sheriff's name," Willems said. "We know he's popular with grass-roots donors across the country."

Willems said it is nearly impossible to stop groups like Restore American Liberty because the sheriff is a public figure.

Willems added that Arpaio remains popular with other candidates running for office, but the sheriff has not recently done fundraisers for them.

"What we found is the donors to Arpaio are so loyal to him that it often doesn't translate into helping another candidate," Willems said. "People still seek his endorsement and guidance and want his (donor) list all the time."

Willems said he expects the sheriff to raise even more money this summer, after the campaign-contribution limit increases July 3.

At that point, a sheriff candidate can raise $6,250 per donor for the primary- and general-election cycles combined. Currently, the individual donation limit is $2,500 for the primary election and $2,500 for the general election.

The increase in the limit will occur after contempt proceedings are scheduled to resume in federal court in June.