Mark Lamb allegations: Arizona congressional candidate faces misconduct claims

Former sheriff accused of sending racist, homophobic, and threatening messages

The former Pinal County Sheriff is under fire over a report alleging he sent racist, homophobic, and threatening text messages. FOX 10's Andrew Christiansen learns more about the potential impact these allegations have to his campaign. 

Former Pinal County Sheriff Mark Lamb, the Republican candidate for Congressional District 5, is facing new criticism following a recent report published by The Arizona Republic. 

What we know:

The article cites unidentified sources who allege Lamb engaged in racist and homophobic text exchanges and sent inappropriate and threatening messages to women. 

There are a few things working in Lamb's favor, which are his name recognition combined with an endorsement from President Donald Trump. 

Big picture view:

Analysts said it ultimately comes down to what voters decide at the ballot box.

"People have weathered worse," Stan Barnes said.

Barnes is a political consultant and former Republican state senator. He points to other figures, like former President Bill Clinton and current President Trump, who both faced high-profile misconduct allegations.

"The American people said, all right, but we still want to vote for him, and Mark Lamb could be in the same situation," Barnes said.

What they're saying:

Lamb has largely kept quiet on the issue, a strategy Barnes said can work for candidates.

"He might decide, you know what? It's salacious, it's unprovable," Barnes said. "A lot of people won't believe it, people aren't paying attention, and name ID and Trump endorsement's going to carry me through."

Inquiries were made to Lamb's campaign. They responded with a statement, saying in part: "The Arizona Republic admitted that their article was based on a 10-year-old text from a person that couldn't be located, or might not be a real person. Not exactly what one would call quality, independent journalism."
However, the allegations could present challenges for his path to Congress.

The other side:

"The problem for Mr. Lamb and his candidacy is that his opponent will attempt to remind voters," Barnes said.

Lamb's Republican opponent, Daniel Keenan, spoke out against the former sheriff following the report.

"This story only adds to a pattern of disqualifying, disgraceful, and embarrassing behavior unbecoming of a congressman," Keenan said in part.

Dig deeper:

Noble, a political data researcher, said the accusations could hurt Lamb with moderate voters.

"There's really no strong candidates running in that primary because he's cleared the field," Mike Noble said. "It's going to hurt him with women, it's going to hurt him with independents, self-identified moderates, those that have a high school or less education."

In a heavily Republican district, Noble said if the accusations gain traction, it could help the opposing party.

"It could potentially be fatal for him in the general election and actually give Democrats an opening in the general election, which normally they wouldn’t," Noble said.

What's next:

On the Democratic side, there are four people running in the primary for Congressional District 5. The primary election is scheduled for July 21.