Retired cop who lost 2012 race challenging Arpaio again

PHOENIX (AP) -- Retired Phoenix police Officer Paul Penzone is challenging incumbent Joe Arpaio in the race for Maricopa County sheriff.

The announcement Wednesday marks Penzone's second attempt to unseat Arpaio.

He lost the 2012 sheriff's race by 6 percentage points in what was the second closest election in Arpaio's 23 years in office.

Penzone joins William Hall and former corrections Officer Joe Rodriguez in the race's Democratic field.

Arpaio's GOP challengers are former Buckeye Police Chief Dan Saban, Roger Baldwin, Mike Bodak and Marsha Hill.

Saban ran unsuccessfully against Arpaio in 2004 and 2008.

Independent Kenneth Baker also is running.

Arpaio spent $8.2 million during the 2012 race, nearly 14 times as much as Penzone.

Penzone says he won't focus on Arpaio's vulnerabilities and instead will promote his commitment to law enforcement.