With a tight race in Iowa, and the vote less than a week away, GOP presidential frontrunner Donald J. Trump has received a barrage of big endorsements, first from former Gov. Sarah Palin last week, and this morning from Evangelical leader Jerry Falwell Jr. His chief rival, Sen. Ted Cruz countered with radio host Glenn Beck.
But to conservatives, none may be bigger than the billionaire developer will reportedly receive tomorrow in Iowa.
That’s because “America’s Toughest Sheriff”, Joe Arpaio will endorse Trump for president.
The Hill reports:
Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio is heading to Iowa to endorse Donald Trump, the Republican presidential front-runner’s campaign announced on Tuesday.
The Arizona sheriff has been a vocal opponent of the Obama administration for years and is known for his tough take on tackling crime and hardline stance on illegal immigration.
Arpaio is also renowned for “Tent City“, his outdoor jail where inmates have to endure hot temperatures, chain gangs and pink underwear, and which understandably enjoys one of thelowest repeat offender rates in the nation.
Arpaio will appear with Trump in Marshalltown, according to the campaign.
Trump has made ending illegal immigration a focal point of his Republican presidential campaign, and is running neck-and-neck with Sen. Ted Cruz (Texas) in Iowa ahead of ballots being cast Monday.
“I have great respect for Sheriff Arpaio. We must restore law and order and respect the men and women of our police forces. I thank him for his support of my policies and candidacy for President,” Trump said in a statement.
In another statement, Arpaio praised Trump as a “leader” who “produces results and is ready to get tough in order to protect American jobs and families.”
“I have fought on the front lines to prevent illegal immigration and I know Donald Trump will stand with me, and countless Americans, to secure our border. I am proud to support him as the best candidate for President of the United States of America,” he added.
This is a huge endorsement that could change the shape of the race.
Reuters has already reported that, since the Pain endorsement Trump has gained 6 points over his rival Cruz (R-TX), leading 40-16% nationally.
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