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Evan Mecham ( IPA ; born May 12 , 1924 ) is a former American Politician and the 19th Governor Of Arizona . A decorated veteran of World War II , Mecham worked most of his life as the owner of an Automotive Dealership and occasional Newspaper Publisher while becoming a Perennial Candidate making periodic runs for political office as a Republican . During his time as governor, he was plagued by controversy and became the first U.S. governor to simultaneously face removal from office through Impeachment , a scheduled Recall Election , and Felony Indictment . Having served from January 6 , 1987 , to April 4 , 1988 , Mecham was removed from office following conviction in his impeachment trial on charges of Obstruction Of Justice and misuse of government funds. A later criminal trial acquitted Mecham on related charges. Described as "an ethical pygmy"Watkins pg 9: "Ev has become an ethical pygmy" -- Stan Turley, President of Arizona State Senate and as having "the morals of a used-car salesman",Watkins pg 109: "Ev Mecham has the morals of a used-car salesman" -- Joe Lane, Speaker of the Arizona House of Representatives Mecham became known for a number of statements and actions that were widely perceived as Racist . Among these actions were the cancellation of the state's Martin Luther King Day , attributing high divorce rates to working women, and his defense of the word " Pickaninny ." In reaction to these events, a Boycott of Arizona was organized, causing damage to the state's tourism industry by the cancellation of multiple conventions. A rift between the governor and fellow Republicans in Arizona Legislature also developed after a series of questionable political appointments prompted accusations of Cronyism against the governor. As a result of these events, political leaders throughout the state started to make calls for Mecham's resignation. Mecham's growing unpopularity finally ensured that when charges of possible wrongdoing finally occurred, the governor lacked the political support needed to effectively counter the charges. PERSONAL BACKGROUND AND BUSINESS CAREER
As a result of his Mormon upbringing, Mecham developed and maintained a strong religious faith. He taught Sunday School and served as a Lay Bishop in the LDS Church from 1957 to 1961. |
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