Respect Arizona trying to recall Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio

PHOENIX - A political group has filed paperwork with the Arizona Secretary of State's office to launch a recall campaign against Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio.

Respect Arizona will need to collect more than 350,000 valid signatures in the next 120 days to force a recall election.

The 80-year-old Arpaio was elected in November to his sixth consecutive term in office.

He filed paperwork last week indicating that he plans to run again in 2016.

In a statement Thursday, Arpaio say he believes the recall effort is over his stance on enforcing laws including those pertaining to illegal immigration.

Arpaio says if people insist on a recall drive, he believes county voters know exactly "who they want in office and they won't be fooled by outside special interests."

On Thursday, the Elect Sheriff Joe Arpaio Committee released the following statement regarding the recall effort:

"Only three months ago, the voters of Maricopa County re-elected Sheriff Joe Arpaio to his sixth term in office. Voters know the Sheriff, his methods, policies and practices very well. So to launch a recall effort so soon after his being elected completely disrespects the voters of Maricopa County."

Sheriff Arpaio added, "I believe this effort is underway because of my stance on enforcing all the laws of our state including those pertaining to illegal immigration. I have expressed a sincere desire to work with all members of our community towards common goals and have extended the olive branch even to those activists who have voiced such hate towards me. Still, if these people insist on a recall drive, I have faith in the people of Maricopa County. They know exactly what and who they want in office and they won't be fooled by outside special interests."

Sheriff Joe Arpaio is currently serving his sixth term in office