Arizona Governor Jan Brewer has announced a November 8th recall election for Senate President Russell Pearce. “Today, in accordance with state law, I issued an order calling a special recall election. This action is mandated under ARS Section 19-209.
“Under Arizona law, the Governor must call a special election once the Secretary of State’s Office has certified that a sufficient number of valid recall petitions have been submitted. The special election will be November 8, 2011, as determined by ARS Section 16-204,” said the governor in news release.
Pearce, who is widely viewed as one of the most powerful politicians in the state has also been the subject of much controversy, especially related to Senate Bill 1070, addressing the issue of illegal immigration in the state.
The Senate President has said he will not resign.
He represents District 18, covering much of Mesa. His background includes 23 years working for the Maricopa Sheriff’s Department followed by a position as Director of the Arizona Motor Vehicle Division. He was elected to the legislature in 2000.
The group, Citizens For a Better Arizona, gathered signatures so Pearce would face a recall election. The Maricopa County Elections Director notified the Arizona Secretary of State’s Office that there were enough valid signatures to force the special election.
