Claims against Pinal Sheriff Paul Babeu elicit mixed reactions
From AZCentral.com
Paul Babeu, the lawman who wants to become a lawmaker, faced mixed fortunes a day after categorically denying allegations he abused power to protect the secret that he is gay.
The Pinal County sheriff picked up political donations Sunday, the same day one large contributor sought a refund, his campaign manager said. Babeu, campaigning to be the Republican candidate for U.S. Congress in Arizona's conservative 4th District, also heard renewed pledges of support from allies and new calls to drop out of the race.
Babeu has been in the spotlight since the Phoenix New Times published an explosive online exposé late Friday alleging that he had threatened to deport an ex-boyfriend if he didn't keep quiet about their relationship. The article documented lurid details, including suggestive texts and explicit photos that Babeu had sent.
On Saturday, Babeu acknowledged the relationship, his sexual orientation and his electronic communiques, but he said the other claims were false. He vowed to stay on as sheriff and continue his bid for higher office.
On Sunday, that seemed to have satisfied some, but not all, of his supporters.
The campaign has taken in around $3,000 from 46 donors since the scandal broke, said Chris DeRose, Babeu's campaign manager and the lawyer representing him in the dispute with the ex-boyfriend. But one donor sought a refund of his $2,500 contribution, DeRose said.
