Mecham Seeks Reinstatement as Governor
Former Gov. Evan Mecham told the state Supreme Court on Thursday that lawmakers violated his constitutional rights when they impeached and ousted him and that he should be restored to office and paid more than $600,000.
Mecham, the first governor removed by impeachment in nearly 60 years, is running for governor again in 1990 and wants the money to help him in his new campaign.
“Either the Constitution means what it says, or it isn’t worth the paper it’s written on,” Mecham’s attorney, Donald MacPherson, said before a packed courtroom.
Mecham was removed from office on April 4, 1988, on charges that he misused money in a state protocol fund and tried to obstruct an investigation.
Deputy Atty. Gen. Kathy Cook said Mecham and his supporters “suffered no violation of their constitutional rights.”
Acting Chief Justice Stanley Feldman said the court would decide as soon as possible whether to hear the case.
Mecham and many of his supporters attended the session.
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