With the ink was barely dry on his presidential pardon, former Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio hinted Friday evening that he's considering a political comeback.

"I don't know what I'm going to do politically," he said moments after the pardon was publicly announced.

"I told my wife that I was through with politics," Arpaio told The Arizona Republic. "But now I've decided I'm not through with politics because of what's happening. I didn't ask for a pardon. It has nothing to do with a pardon. I've been saying this for the last couple of months. I've got a lot to offer."

Arpaio said his age is not an issue.

"I'm 85," he said. "Everybody puts my age. I can outgun anyone."

Arpaio was defeated in last fall's general election by Democrat Paul Penzone.

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