Arizona’s ‘toughest’ sheriff Joe Arpaio says he backs Sharron Angle in tight NV Senate race

Arizona sheriff Joe Arpaio backs Sharron Angle

LAS VEGAS — The nation’s self-professed toughest sheriff says Nevada voters should fire Democratic Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid.

Arizona Sheriff Joe Arpaio told The Associated Press on Wednesday that he supports Republican Senate candidate Sharron Angle because Washington needs new leadership.

Arpaio is known for his efforts against illegal immigration and Angle is among his many supporters. She has said every state needs a sheriff like Arpaio.

The sheriff says he doesn’t know much about Angle, but he hopes her victory will increase Republicans’ clout in Congress. He and Angle are scheduled to speak at the National Tea Party Convention in Las Vegas in October.