Evan Mecham, 1924 - 2008

Evan Mecham will largely be remembered as foolish and stubborn Republican racist rightwing zealot who served but 15 months as an elected Arizona governor in 1987 and 1988 before being impeached and ousted on improper money use issues after creating a firestorm from ill-advised and inept acts and statements that created enormous division and controversy in Arizona as well as around the nation. The extremist hardcore Morman automobile dealer was on the outermost right fringe of Arizona politics, and individuals like him and in the years after him served only to move Arizona into a regular political environment of extremism, irresponsiblity, and special interests support that has largely decimated the state economically with a relatively unsophisticated and backwards economy, an educational system throughout the state that is among if not the worst in the nation, and an environment and quality of life that has seen a tremendous decline and loss of promise. The Arizona of 1987 and 1988 was an okay place, but it has clearly worsened in the last 20 years to the point that it is simply mad to consider relocating there in the coming decade or so without clear and massive reform and modernization. Given the existing political climate, it would seem unlikely or challenging at least for the necessary changes to be undertaken. Arizona thrived during the years of the Babbitt governorship, and starting with Mecham, much of that has been lost. Whereas the Republican Party prior to Mecham had points on policy that were commendable and progressive, the Mecham GOP and its elements which dominate the party to this day are worthy of little but scorn and repudiation.

http://www.tucsoncitizen.com/ss/fromcomments/77777.php


http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/news/articles/0222mecham-obit0222-ON.html

http://roguecolumnist.typepad.com/rogue_columnist/2008/02/saturday-roundu.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Evan_Mecham

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