POLL: Americans like Sheriff who enforces law

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If Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio decides to seek the Republican nomination for governor of Arizona, he will enter the race as the clear favorite. Incumbent Governor Jan Brewer places third in an early look at the 2010 GOP gubernatorial race.

The first Rasmussen Reports telephone poll of next year's GOP Primary in Arizona shows Arpaio, known nationally for his tough efforts to crack down on illegal immigration, attracting 47% of the vote while four other candidates split another 44%.

In another example of his potential to dominate the race early, 58% of likely Republican Primary voters have a favorable opinion of Arpaio. Just 16% say the same about Martin, while only nine percent (9%) are that upbeat about Brewer. The comparable numbers for Munger and Parker are two percent (2%) and (1%) respectively.

Among all Arizona voters, Arpaio leads likely Democratic gubernatorial candidate Terry Goddard by 12 points – 51% to 39%.

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