District 6 Congressional candidate Matt Salmon must have coughed up $2,000 really impressed Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio -- the sheriff has penned a glowing endorsement for the former Republican congressman in his attempt to become a congressman once again.
Salmon's campaign today announced Arpaio's endorsement. The theme of the political nod: getting tough on illegal immigration, what else?
"I am honored to support my good friend Matt Salmon in his bid to return
to Congress," Arpaio says. "Having worked extensively with Matt in the past, I know I
can count on him to protect the interests of our community and our
state, especially when it deals with securing our borders. Now more
than ever, Washington requires experienced and principled conservatives
in Congress - Matt Salmon exemplifies these qualities to the highest
degree."
Salmon responded with his own gushing assessment of Arpaio.
"Sheriff Joe Arpaio has been a tireless advocate for the safety of Maricopa County citizens for almost two decades," Salmon says. "He understands how important it is to protect our national borders against illegal immigration and he knows I will make that a top priority in Washington. I am grateful for his confidence in my ability to represent the best interests of our
communities."
Salmon is running for the Congressional seat getting vacated by Congressman Jeff Flake, who announced earlier this year his plans to run for the Senate.
As detailed in the New Times feature "Over the Rainbow," Salmon's son, Matt, was dating a second-cousin of Congressman Flake -- who happens to be a man named Kent Flake. We're told the two have since broken up, but are still friends -- and still gay.
Read Kent Flake and Matt Salmon's story here.
Salmon was first elected to Congress in 1994, but only served six years after honoring his pledge to voters that he'd only serve three terms. The pledge was part of the then-GOP Congress' "Contract With America," a contract on which many GOP members of Congress reneged.
Salmon ran for governor of Arizona in 2002, but lost to now-Homeland Security Director Janet Napolitano.
Also eying the seat is former Republican state Senate Majority Leader Chuck Gray.
