The Examiner
By Linda Bentley
As former Maricopa County Attorney, Thomas is known for risking his livelihood and was subsequently disbarred, for standing up to corrupt and powerful politicians, including county supervisors Mary Rose Wilcox and Don Stapley, both of whom were indicted by grand juries.
While serving as county attorney, Thomas worked with Sheriff Joe Arpaio to combat the illegal immigration problem plaguing the state.
Phoenix, in particular, had become a human and drug smuggling distribution hub for the rest of the country with traffickers holding drugs and human cargo in drop houses throughout the city.
Thomas interpreted Arizona’s anti-smuggling law as being one in which both parties, the smuggler as well as the person paying to be smuggled, are committing a crime, rather than the person paying to be smuggled being considered a victim.
The interpretation is really no different than a prostitute and the John soliciting and paying the prostitute for sex both being considered involved in criminal activity.
Thomas also uncovered numerous instances of non-citizens who were registered to vote.
This came to light after his office reviewed requests to be excused from jury duty because of non citizenship.
Thomas learned they were called to jury duty through the voter registration rolls.
So, when Thomas ran for county attorney on a platform of taking on illegal immigration, he made good on his promise.
He also took on the Maricopa County Superior Court system when it began implementing its “culturally competent courts” by providing special and more lenient treatment for criminals in Spanish and Native American DUI courts.
Thomas has unflinchingly taken on powerful establishment career politicians, judges and bureaucrats, although much to his detriment.
While some claim he has too much baggage to win the governor’s race, he has a firm and committed group of supporters who still believe in him.
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