Thomas defends sponsoring Ankarlo's book tour

Maricopa County Attorney Andrew Thomas is defending sponsoring News/Talk 92.3's KTAR's Darrell Ankarlo's book signing tour.

Thomas said the funds - just over $11,000 dollars - come from money confiscated from criminals, not taxpayers.

"I remember Governor Napolitano in her State of the State address at the beginning of this year, said the RICO funds should be spent in the fight against illegal immigration. Well, I'm just taking her up on her advice," Thomas said.

On Tuesday, Democratic Attorney General Candidate Tim Nelson accused Thomas of inappropriate use of public funds for sponsoring the book tour.

Thomas said the book tour was just one of many media opportunities used to push his anti-crime and anti-illegal immigration message.

Ankarlo's book, Another Man's Sombrero: A Conservative Broadcaster's Undercover Journey Across the Mexican Border is on sale now in bookstores.

• Slideshow: Ankarlo booksigning