According to Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio's ghost-"tweeters," the sheriff and presidential hopeful/Texas Governor Rick Perry chatted over the weekend about "immigration and other matters."
Again, that's according to the sheriff's Twitter page -- whether the alleged conversation actually took place has not yet been confirmed by Perry's campaign staff (Arpaio's got a bit of a history when it comes to misinterpreting casual conversation with policy discussion).
In somewhat related news, Arpaio recently appeared on the conservative radio show "Hair on Fire" with host Barbara Espinosa, and co-host/long-time Joe Arpaio butt-kisser Randy Pullen, to discuss -- amongst other things -- technology and "that guy" Scottsdale Lieutenant Mike Stauffer, his GOP primary opponent for sheriff in the 2012 election.
During the appearance, the sheriff bragged about his experience fighting illegal immigration, and mentioned how upset he is that immigration policy-makers don't consult him on border issues -- so, the sheriff must be lovin' the recent attention he's getting from GOP presidential candidates looking to appear tough on illegal immigration by cozyin' up to one of the country's most infamous border hawks.
DeeDee Blase, the feisty leader of the Tequila Party -- a non-partisan political group that focuses on Latino issues -- thinks Perry may have shot himself in the foot by buddyin' up to America's self-proclaimed "toughest sheriff."
She recently penned an article with the headline "Rick Perry committing Latino Political suicide in consulting with Joe Arpaio of Arizona."
In the piece, Blase argues -- as we did yesterday -- that Perry might not be as familiar with Arpaio's antics as those of us who witness his daily running of the MCSO. We cited Elvis-themed panty parties, and inmate coloring contests. Blase cites how the sheriff "makes fun of the mysterious Mexican deaths in his prisons," an issue that will obviously anger crucial Hispanic voters.
Each are issues a presidential candidate might want to take into account before (allegedly) asking Arpaio for political advice.
See Blase's piece here.
As we mentioned yesterday, we're still waiting for word from Perry's campaign that the candidate's alleged conversation with Arpaio actually took place. In the meantime, we want to know what you think: did Perry commit "latino political suicide" by seeking Arpaio's advice?
Cast your vote below.
