Sheriffs call for independent investigation in 'Fast and Furious' case

PHOENIX - For the first time since Congressional hearings into the ATF's controversial Fast and Furious case started, Arizona sheriffs on both sides of the political aisle are joining forces.

Six sheriffs from Pinal, Cochise, LaPaz, Mohave, Greenlee, and Yavapai counties spoke outside of the Arizona capitol building Friday, saying they feel betrayed by the federal government and the way the Fast and Furious case was handled.

"If there is anything the President should apologize for, it's this," said Pinal County Sheriff Paul Babeu, a Republican. He also said Attorney General Eric Holder should resign or be fired.

Although Republican Congressional leaders have been leading the investigations into the Department of Justice, Babeu said the dissatisfaction with the Fast and Furious case is not a partisan issue.

"This is not a Democrat or Republican issue. This is a public safety issue," he said.

"It's embarrassing to this country and me," said LaPaz County Sheriff Don Lowery. "I've spent fifty years in uniform, and it's embarrassing for me to stand before you and apologize for people that we elect."

Lowery, a Democrat, said when it comes to this case, he is not a politician and believes people should be held accountable for the case, no matter what their party affiliation is.

"If this guy (Holder) done something wrong," Lowery said, "He needs to be terminated, if he did. It needs to be investigated first."