Rich GOP Developer Symington Wins Arizona Governor Runoff

Republican Fife Symington, who was declared Arizona’s governor-elect as his vote total became insurmountable early Wednesday, vowed to immediately set about correcting budgetary woes and restoring credibility to state government.

Symington, 45, who beat Democrat Terry Goddard 52% to 48% in Tuesday’s special runoff election, called on state residents to unite and put behind them the long, bitterly fought gubernatorial campaign.

“We all need to pull together and make this a better state,” he said.

The millionaire Phoenix developer, a political novice, promised during a two-year campaign to bring his business expertise to bear on the state’s fiscal crisis.

At a time when Arizona is facing a $100-million midyear deficit and a potential shortfall next fiscal year, Symington is proposing a 6% budget cut that would apply to all state agencies except those relating to education and the poor.

After a runoff campaign that ended with a barrage of mutual personal attacks, Symington insisted that he won his mandate on the issues.

He promised to act on his campaign pledges of reducing the size of state government, cutting taxes, reforming the educational system to allow open enrollment and protecting the environment.

Symington will be sworn in next Wednesday, nearly halfway through a legislative session that has been highlighted by a political corruption scandal. Seven lawmakers were among 18 people indicted on bribery and conspiracy charges in early February after a Phoenix police sting involving a phony attempt to bring casino gambling to the state.

The governor-elect said he plans to push for campaign reforms and the institution of a code of ethics for his appointees.

Symington had been considered the underdog for most of the campaign. Goddard, 44, who quit after six years as mayor of Phoenix to run for governor nearly a year ago, was considered the heavy favorite for much of the race.

But Symington squeaked ahead in the Nov. 6 general election, 49.7% to 49.2%. Because neither had garnered the majority required by a 1988 law, the unprecedented runoff was scheduled.

Tuesday night, Goddard led in early returns. But as ballots from Republican strongholds came in, Symington edged ahead, then pulled away.

Goddard conceded and pledged his support at 12:30 a.m. while Symington was delivering a victory speech to jubilant supporters at his headquarters.

Unofficial results with 99.6% of the precincts reporting Wednesday showed Symington with 486,570 votes and Goddard with 444,314.

Symington will be Arizona’s fourth governor in five years.