Maricopa County sheriff celebrates 83nd birthday

PHOENIX (AP) - Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio celebrates his 83nd birthday on Sunday.

The six-term sheriff will mark the day at a patriotic-themed celebration at a county jail with two special guests and inmates who served in the military. Sunday also is Flag Day.

Arpaio, the county's longest serving sheriff, has said he plans to seek a seventh term next year.

The sheriff's political strength has been gradually declining over the past four election cycles, but his base of devoted supporters and impressive fundraising have helped him pull out wins.

No one has publicly declared a challenge to Arpaio next year.

Over the last six months, Arpaio has been the target of a contempt-of-court proceeding in federal court for his acknowledged violations of a judge's order in a racial profiling case.