‘Nothing Evil,’Mecham Tells Panel on Loan

PHOENIX — Gov. Evan Mecham today told state legislators studying his possible impeachment that he did not hide a $350,000 campaign loan.

“There is nothing sinister; there is nothing evil,” the Republican governor told the House select committee in his opening statement.

Mecham insisted he acted legally in lumping the loan from Tempe developer Barry Wolfson with two other loans on his financial reports without listing Wolfson’s name. The state’s campaign finance disclosure law is vague, Mecham said.

Wolfson’s name appeared elsewhere on the financial reports in connection with a $15,000 contribution he made, Mecham said.

“We ask, where’s the secrecy?” the governor said. A special counsel said the governor illegally concealed the loan, but Mecham said, “His opinion is not the gospel.”

Meanwhile, Secretary of State Rose Mofford issued a proclamation that officially scheduled a recall election for May 17, and Mecham has until Friday to submit a 200-word statement of his case that will appear on the ballot.

Mecham also faces a March 9 trial on criminal charges that he concealed the $350,000 campaign loan.

Mid-Week Action Seen

GOP Speaker Joe Lane has said he expects a decision on whether to impeach Mecham by mid-week. If the governor is impeached, Mofford, a Democrat, would take over as acting governor while Mecham faced trial in the Senate.

“Impeachment is an awesome responsibility,” committee Chairman Jim Skelly, a Republican, told Mecham in opening today’s hearing. “We’re talking about your career, your reputation.”

“Integrity is the No. 1 issue,” Mecham replied.

However, Mecham and Skelly then clashed when Mecham said he would answer questions only from House members, not from House attorneys.

“I came to answer the questions of the members of the House,” Mecham said. “I am not ready . . . to have a cross-examination by prosecuting attorneys.”