Tucson News NowWhat's in store for Sheriff Paul Babeu's campaign?

What's in store for Sheriff Paul Babeu's campaign?

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By Carissa Planalp - email
PINAL COUNTY, AZ (Tucson News Now) -

Pinal County Sheriff Paul Babeu suffered several hits this weekend.  He was forced to come clean about his sexuality as an ex-boyfriend claims Babeu threatened to have him deported.  Babeu has been described as a rising star in the Republican party, but now he's up against allegations of misconduct.  He's also an openly-gay candidate running in a district that is very conservative.

Experts say his campaign can go either way.

"I think the biggest problem Paul has are the pictures on the Internet," says former chairman of the Arizona Republican Party, Mike Hellon.

He says racy pictures could quash the sheriff's congressional bid.

"There's congressmen in fairly recent memory who had to resign for similar circumstances."

An investigation into alleged misconduct is expected as is a backlash from conservative Republicans.

"If I were in this district I'd vote for him," says Lori Madera who has been active in the gay community for nearly 20 years.  She believes the scandal could stir the gay vote.

"I thought that it was really terrible that he was outted the way he was.  He was forced out, but it's my opinion I believe this is going to make a lot of people gather around him."

Babeu isn't getting the same reception from Democrats.  Congressman Raul Grijalva is taking aim at Babeu's stance on illegal immigration.

"What I have a problem with is his hypocrisy," says Grijalva.  "For him to assail other people's rights, to belittle other people, and to be hiding his own personality, that makes him a hypocrite."

The next couple of weeks will make or break Babeu's campaign.  Hellon say the best thing for babue is focus only on his accomplishments as sheriff.

"If the campaign just sort of rocks along," says Hellon.  "And he's successful in continuing to discuss his plans as a congressman as opposed to answering questions about his past behavior he very well may be able to fight through this."

Copyright 2012 Tucson News Now. All rights reserved.

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