Recall Bid Against Controversial Arizona Sheriff Joe Arpaio Faces Deadline

PHOENIX (AP) — A group trying to oust the polarizing sheriff of metropolitan Phoenix faces a Thursday deadline for handing in voter signatures in an uphill battle to force a recall election against the lawman.

Organizers of the recall effort against Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio face long odds in turning in the more than 335,000 valid voter signatures by the 4 p.m. deadline.

They have struggled to raise funds, have had to rely on a mostly volunteer workforce to collect signatures and are mounting a campaign against a politician who has a base of devoted supporters.

Recall campaign manager Lilia Alvarez wouldn't say on Wednesday how many signatures her group has gathered.

Arpaio supporters say the sheriff won re-election fair and square.

JACQUES BILLEAUD,Associated Press