Poll: Sheriff Joe Leads Ariz. GOP Senate Hopefuls

Republican Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio revealed Monday that he may run for the Arizona Senate seat being vacated by Republican Jon Kyl next year. And now a poll by Summit Consulting Group reveals that Arpaio tops the list of potential GOP candidates, Roll Call reports.

Among likely Republican primary voters, 21 percent favor Arpaio, the survey shows. The sheriff has made himself famous for his hard-line stand against illegal immigration.

Rep. Jeff Flake, who announced his candidacy Monday, ranks second with 16.8 percent. Former Rep. J.D. Hayworth, who lost his Senate bid to Sen. John McCain last year, places third with 16.6 percent.

Former Rep. John Shadegg came in fourth with 12 percent, followed by freshman Rep. Ben Quayle with 6 percent.