Barring a legal challenge, Senate President Russell Pearce, R-Mesa, will face recall election on Nov. 8.
Pearce, one of the state’s most powerful and controversial politicians, released a statement late Tuesday afternoon saying that he told Gov. Jan Brewer that he was in support of her calling the election this fall. It is believed to be the first recall election of a state legislator in Arizona history.
Pearce made it clear in his statement that he has no intention of resigning his office, as some of his detractors have suggested.
“I intend to remain in office,” Pearce said, adding: “In the weeks and months ahead, I will campaign actively to promote and defend my long record of promoting economic recovery, job creation, balanced budgets, law enforcement and secure borders.”
“I have never lost an election and will fight these outside forces that support lax law enforcement, amnesty and open borders.”
Last week, the Maricopa County Elections Director submitted a 1,200-page certification package to the Arizona Secretary of State’s Office, after determining the recall effort had enough valid signatures from registered voters in Mesa’s District 18 to force a special election.
On Friday afternoon, the Secretary of State’s Office certified there were enough signatures to officially put the recall on the November ballot. But Brewer, as governor, still had to take the ministerial step of formally calling the election.
She did that Tuesday.
Full Article: Brewer calls Nov. 8 recall election for Pearce.