The Nation - News from May 20, 1988

Former Arizona Gov. Evan Mecham, removed from office last month by an impeachment conviction, went on trial on criminal charges of concealing a $350,000 campaign loan from a developer. About 100 prospective jurors were sworn in during the opening session at Maricopa County Superior Court. Mecham did not attend the session, which lasted about 15 minutes. Members of the jury pool were given a questionnaire worked out by the prosecution, defense and the trial judge, Michael Ryan, that was designed to identify anyone biased for or against the former governor.