MSCO Sheriff Joe Arpaio sets $3.5M fundraising record

PHOENIX — Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio has once again broken his personal fundraising record, his office said in a Wednesday release.

Thanks to more than 78,000 donations, Arpaio raised more than $3.5 million in 2013 for his political campaigns.

“I am so grateful for the outpouring of support from so many generous people,” Arpaio said in a release. “It emboldens me to know that my supporters are there for me especially when faced with a recall election and being maliciously targeted by the federal government just for doing my job.”

Nearly 100 percent of the donations were made in small increments under $450, the maximum allowed until revised to $5,000 by the state Supreme Court.

Arpaio, who was re-elected to a sixth term in November, hinted at a possible run for governor in the release.

“Every four years, my supporters encourage me to run for governor,” he said. “Based on these fundraising numbers and knowing I could be competitive, I will have to give it serious consideration.”