Over the years, a number of polls have been taken to determine the public opinion about my job performance, my name recognition and whether Republicans, Democrats and Independents would continue to vote for me as Sheriff of Maricopa County.

Say what you will about the credibility of polls, one thing is for certain – they are interesting.  Most people interested in politics are fascinated by the roller coaster ride that is called public approval.

Fortunately, my polls have ranged from very good to good in the 15 years I’ve been Sheriff.  Though my numbers go up and down, I haven’t ever fallen below the 62% approval percentile in any scientifically random poll taken.

Of course, poll results depend on the questions asked as well as who is asking the questions…. How much stock we want to put into the results is an individual choice.

Here are the results of the scientifically random polls taken by the major pollster groups in Maricopa County:

Sept 2001, Pollster: O’Neil Associates, 69% approval, 97% name recognition
Jan 2002, Statewide Survey, 62% Favorable Rating, 29% Unfavorable
May 2002, Republican Poll, 76% approval, 95% name recognition 
March 2004, Pollster: BRC, 71% Republicans favor re-election, 37% Democrats, 34% Independents
March 2006, Pollster: BRC, 77% positive, 16% unfavorable

Oct 2007, Pollster: KAET/ASU, 81% republicans statewide approve of my stance on illegal immigration, 67% democrats statewide approve

*Not conducted by a pollster company