FOR PEARCE'S OPPONENTS, POLITICS IS ALL ABOUT TIMING

posted by Michael Chihak

Arizona Senate President Russell Pearce likely will face a recall election to hand onto his seat in the Legislature, either in November or next March.

The timing couldn't be better for Pearce's political opponents, who took out recall petitions against the Mesa Republican in January. Their stated cause was to remove him for his successful push for anti-immigration legislation in Arizona, most notably the notorious SB1070.

Then, in the midst of the petition drive, along came a political plum for the anti-Pearce crowd: word that his name was mentioned prominently in the investigative report on the misdeeds of Fiesta Bowl executives.

Pearce was reported to be among 16 legislators who got free tickets and took all-expenses-paid junkets to college football games for the Fiesta Bowl. At first, he denied doing anything wrong, then reimbursed the Fiesta Bowl for tickets and amended 10 years' worth of financial and gift reports he is required to file as a legislator.

Jeremy Duda of the Arizona Capitol Times said for Friday's Arizona Week broadcast that he thinks Pearce's involvement and lack of consistent, clear explanation of what happened could hurt him in the recall drive.

The signatures are still being counted, as the opposition has yet not identified a candidate to oppose Pearce, who has served in one house or another of the Legislature for 10 years. The election could be held as early as this November.