ARIZONA: Mecham Wins One

Last April, Evan Mecham became the first U.S. Governor to be impeached in 59 years. Last week it looked as if the impolitic Arizona politician might also be facing a prison term. But after a little more than six hours of deliberation, a jury acquitted Mecham and his brother Willard of charges that they violated election laws by concealing a $350,000 campaign loan.

While Mecham no longer faces criminal charges, few expect a quick revival of his tattered political career. His acquittal in no way affects his earlier impeachment, which was based on two unrelated charges: misusing state funds and trying to thwart an investigation of a death threat. Said Prosecutor Barnett Lotstein, explaining the case’s outcome: “A lot of people in this community feel that he has suffered enough.”