opinion

Check under rocks for Sheriff Joe Arpaio's 'friends'

After an exhaustive geological survey of our vast desert, I've concluded that there are just enough rocks in Arizona for all of Sheriff Joe Arpaio's "friends" to hide under.

That's why you don't see any of them.

And why you haven't heard from any of them.

I tried the old strategy of going outside and shouting, "Come out, come out, wherever you are!"

It didn't work.

For more than 20 years ambitious Republicans have been genuflecting before Arpaio, seeking his blessing. And he has been very accommodating.

So where are they now?

Friends don't abandon friends when they are in trouble, do they?

Where are the presidential hopefuls who courted Arpaio's favor? George W. Bush. Mitt Romney. Texas Gov. Rick Perry.

Where is Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey, who praised and thanked the sheriff for his endorsement?

Where are the members of the Arizona congressional delegation, many of whom have used Arpaio's endorsements and his presence at fundraising events to help finance their campaigns?

What is happening now with Arpaio reminds me of what happened late in the career and life of Sen. Barry Goldwater. After he spoke out in support of allowing gays to serve in the military and said he wouldn't outlaw abortion Goldwater was vilified by Arizona Republicans who seemed to have forgotten how much they owed to the man in just about every way: philosophically, economically, politically.

It's a little like that now as Arpaio goes through a civil contempt hearing before federal Judge Murray Snow.

He's on his own.

Arpaio stood firm in support of the awful law SB 1070, helping to provide support and cover for Gov. Jan Brewer, and to help her get reelected.

The same is true of many members of the state legislature. And lesser office holders. He's had their backs.

So where is everyone?

The only Republican whose silence makes sense is Sen. John McCain, who has feuded with the sheriff for years.

Shouldn't the sheriff's friends stand with Arpaio in his time of need? Couldn't they argue that, even though Arpaio has made mistakes, it should not diminish a lifetime of service? Couldn't they point out that Arpaio has been a soldier, police officer, federal agent and sheriff?

If I can do it (and I most definitely am not his friend) why can't they?

The truth is, they can. They choose not to do so because they're afraid being tainted. With politicians, fear trumps friendship.

Nationally-syndicated talk show host Rush Limbaugh could help. He's praised Arpaio in the past, even writing a blurb for one of Arpaio's books that reads: "Speaking plainly and courageously about crime, punishment, and politics, this book demands to be read."

Arpaio has traveled the country in support of political candidates seeking his endorsement, even after his office was being investigated by the feds

I asked him prior to the last election if requests for support had fallen off dramatically.

"Everybody's still asking," Arpaio said.

Candidates on all levels received Arpaio's endorsement last November. So where are they?

A journalist in pursuit of answers leaves no stone unturned.

If I did that now, I'd unearth all of Joe's "friends."