Draft GOP resolution would flatter Joe Arpaio, then urge him to quit Senate race

A draft Arizona Republican Party resolution would heap praise on former Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio's long career in law enforcement and GOP politics and then gently nudge him to exit this year's U.S. Senate race.

A few days ahead of the state GOP's annual mandatory meeting in Phoenix, Arpaio vowed to stay put in the Aug. 28 Republican primary, where he would face U.S. Rep. Martha McSally of Tucson and former state Sen. Kelli Ward of Lake Havasu City.

Ward's campaign, which likely would benefit most from Arpaio dropping out, said it did not support and had nothing to do with the resolution language, which The Arizona Republic obtained this week.

"Dr. Ward’s campaign is not urging other candidates to not run but is, instead, laser-focused on expanding statewide support to win the primary and general elections," said Zachery Henry, Ward's press secretary. "We are confident that Dr. Ward’s proven track record, compelling message, and broad base of support across Arizona will be what propels her to the U.S. Senate."

Read more: https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/politics/elections/2018/01/25/draft-gop-resolution-would-flatter-joe-arpaio-then-urge-him-quit-senate-race/1063497001/