by Pamela Powers Hannley
Maricopa County Democrats smell blood in the water. The notorious Sheriff Joe Arpaio is facing multiple legal battles-- finally-- and the Dems think that maybe... just maybe... they can oust him from the office he has held for decades.
There are two Democrats running in the primary: John Rowan and Paul Penzone. There is a lot of verbal wrangling amongst Maricopa Dems regarding who is the best candidate. (Hey, it's politics.) Rowan, who has come out strongly as anti-SB1070 and pro-reform-- is seen as the more progressive choice. Labeled a "party darling" by activists, Penzone is much better funded than Rowan-- but not anywhere near as well-funded as Arpaio, who has millions on hand to trounce a challenger.
Is Maricopa County ready to clean up the sheriff's office?
Watch videos of both candidates after the jump.