So where are all of Sheriff Joe’s ‘friends’ now?

Where are Joe Arpaio’s friends? Where are the politicians who for more than 20 years made pilgrimages to Phoenix to kiss his ring, beg for his endorsement and have their photo taken with him? A 1996 article in The Arizona Republic called Arpaio “the Big Kahuna, the golden ticket, the key to the city,” when it comes to endorsements.

“The sheriff said he lost track long ago of the number of people who have sought his approval,” according to the article. In it, Arpaio says, ”I don’t think people want my endorsement because they think I am going to be governor. They want my endorsement because they want to win.”

Republican presidential candidates like George W. Bush sought him out. And Mitt Romney, and on and on.

Gubernatorial candidates asked for his blessing, including current Gov. Doug Ducey.

Just about every Arizona Republican candidate for Congress wanted Arpaio’s stamp of approval.

And it wasn’t just candidates from Arizona. Arpaio traveled all over the country at the request of candidates running for state and federal offices. It wasn’t only his endorsement they sought, it was his ability to attract campaign contributors. Arpaio helped to finance dozens of political campaigns.

A few years back Arpaio told me, “I’ve been all over the country and I’ve been breaking records. Evidently people still want me. I have to turn down trips to talk to groups. I also have demonstrators wherever I go. They don’t ignore me. I’ve been on over 3,000 television shows and magazines from overseas. Last week, I had Italy, Spain, Belgium and Ireland coming to see me. They don’t go to see anybody else.”

A host on CNN once asked Arpaio why a county sheriff in Arizona was in such demand from political candidates at all levels from all over the country.

“They don’t come see me because I’m tall, dark and handsome,” Arpaio said. “They come for my endorsement.” So, where are they now? The other day, I saw Arpaio coming out of the federal courthouse, where he is on trial for criminal contempt.

He was surrounded by lawyers and reporters but no friends, including his most powerful friend, President Donald Trump.

Arpaio was the first nationally known political figure to endorse Trump for president. He introduced him at rallies. He traveled to Iowa to appear with Trump at campaign events.

Trump said early on in a written statement: “I have great respect for Sheriff Arpaio. We must restore law and order on the border and respect the men and women of our police forces. I thank him for his support of my policies and candidacy for President.”

When they came begging for support, Arpaio was there for them.

Now, he’s the one who could use a little support.

But, with friends like these…