Arizona's Russell Pearce To Be Recalled

Recall fever has spread. First Wisconsin, then Ohio and now, it seems Arizona will be the next state to take a second look at its hard turn to the right.

According to reports, the groups working to recall Arizona state Senate President Russell Pearce (R), author of the state’s abhorrent immigration law have collected enough signatures to force a recall election. Elections Director Amy Bjelland certified over 10,000 signatures. Only 7,756 were needed.

Gov. Jan Brewer (R) is legally required to call the election within 15 days of the certification. At that time those pushing for the recall will have until September 9 to file a nominating petition, naming a challenger, with at least 621 signatures.

The recall election will take place on November 8th unless Pearce is able to successfully challenge the recall in court. Early reports from the Arizona Daily Star indicate that Pearce will likely not mount a challenge and is instead looking to fight.

The group behind the recall efforts is Citizens For A Better Arizona, a coalition group opposed to most of Pearce’s extreme positions, including his embrace of birtherism and opposition to the Fourteenth Amendment.

While these recall elections are a welcome sign of an engaged electorate, they are also an unnecessary expense at a time when states cannot afford the basics. Pearce’s extreme rhetoric and views may represent a slice of Arizonan’s, but as the recall efforts illustrate, citizens have grown tired of extremism and are instead looking for honest and common sense solutions to the problems facing their states.

Photo from gageskidmore via flickr.

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

LMj S.

2:40AM PDT on Oct 27, 2012

Thank you.

October 27
send a green star

2:38AM PDT on Oct 27, 2012

Kit B.

12:44PM PDT on Jul 14, 2011

If I could vote to recall this pig I would. Since the republi-cant's are already paid by their employers, why in the hell should the taxpayers have to pay them also?. Help the economy, have donald trump fire the whole damn bunch of the corrupt, liing, thieveing republi-can't ass*oles. As far as rusty is concerd, let him get a job with nazi party, an affilliate of the republi-can't party.

July 14
send a green star

Patrick F.

11:52AM PDT on Jul 13, 2011

Wouldn't it be nice if you could recall the whole Repigletan party all at once?

July 13
send a green star

KS G.

4:46AM PDT on Jul 13, 2011

Thanks for the article.

10:52PM PDT on Jul 12, 2011

Where's all the typical Republican supporters?

July 12
send a green star

Suzen R.

8:47PM PDT on Jul 12, 2011

All the GOP needs to be recalled.

Marilyn L.

8:40PM PDT on Jul 12, 2011

As a person living in Arizona I only wish I could vote his Mormon behind out of office. I will have to be satisfied watching it happen.

Margaret P.

4:07PM PDT on Jul 12, 2011

Joan thanks for the extra information. It is hard to keep up on everything especially when you live 100 miles or so away.
I don't think guns are a wise choice at either location unless it is for a licensed, trained officer.

Joan H.

3:29PM PDT on Jul 12, 2011

This isn't the only reason he's being recalled according to Citizens for a Better Arizona. "Citizens for a Better Arizona said it opposes Pearce because of his stance on immigration, and also for backing legislation that would allow guns at universities and privatize state parks". Since the Governor was elected with 70% of the vote, do you really think all of those signatures are for illegals? I doubt it! I'd bet of most of them are for the parks and the guns. I think what their legislature is doing is fine, especially if the Feds won't do it!