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Iglesias: Evidence Of Politicization By Arizona Sheriff "Felt Very Familiar"

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Fmr. US Attorney (NM) David Iglesias

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David Iglesias is comparing Sheriff Joe Arpaio's alleged targeting of political foes to the notorious Rove-Gonzales politicization of DOJ, which led to Iglesias's own improper firing.

The evidence against the Arizona sheriff was "very similar to what was going on at the Department of Justice under the Bush administration," Iglesias said in an interview with TPMmuckraker. "It unfortunately felt very familiar."

A Phoenix news station reported late last week that Arpaio is being investigated by the FBI for using his authority to go after people who had publicly criticized or opposed him. Iglesias -- a former U.S. attorney who was dismissed for not pursuing politically motivated prosecutions -- conducted his own review of the evidence, on behalf of the news station, KPHO, and concluded that charges should be brought against Arpaio.

Speaking to TPMmuckraker, Iglesias said that KPHO had asked him to look into the evidence against Arpaio, and that "what I saw was very disturbing." He called the timing of the investigations by Arpaio into Phoenix mayor Phil Gordon and Arizona Attorney General Terry Goddard "very suspect," noting that both had recently spoken out against the sheriff's controversial law-enforcement tactics.

"I figured it was a public service to speak out," said Iglesias.

But for his trouble, Iglesias, naturally, found himself attacked by Arpaio, who said in a statement that as U.S. attorney, Iglesias "was criticized for looking the other way in an investigation involving ACORN, an organization that embraces illegal immigration."

"I wear his criticism as a badge of honor," Iglesias told us, calling Arpaio's attack a "tried and true smear the critic" approach.

"What he refuses to appreciate is an honest prosecutor doesn't file a charge" against someone he can't hope to convict.

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November 2, 2009 3:20 PM   

An easy prediction.

David Iglesias will become increasingly prominent in national politics. When the Republicans finally get the balls to stand up to the wingers who have hijacked their party, Iglesias will be a formidable member of those new Republicans.

I wish he was a Democrat.

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November 2, 2009 3:55 PM    in reply to Homefries

Me too. But mostly I'm just glad he's staying engaged, and doing so in an honorable and forthright manner.

Regardless of his politics, it is clear that he is good people.

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November 2, 2009 10:10 PM    in reply to Homefries

See, you had me until you wrote, "when the Republicans finally get the balls to stand up the wingers..." That's when I knew this was satire.

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November 2, 2009 4:26 PM   

Possibility Iglesias could get a Federal Judgeship nomination? He certainly is the kind of person who should be there, but Obama doesn't want to rock the boat, Olympia Snowe might not like him.

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November 2, 2009 5:04 PM   

Arpaio DOES arrest and harass his political enemies. About time somebody noticed back in DC.

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November 3, 2009 4:54 AM   

Iglesias was closing in on New Mexico Senate Speaker pro tem Manny Aragon, but Domenici wanted an indictment rushed with an announcement before an election. It would have blown the case, and Iglesias refused. Aragaon, who had been on the payroll of private prison corporation GEO Group was eventually convicted of kickbacks on another public works project. Bill Richardson also looks dirty with regard to for-profit prisons, especially GEO.

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November 3, 2009 8:10 AM   

Sheriff Joe is like Arizona's answer to the confederate flag. He's a national embarrassment who riles up all the local crazies.

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