Bill that would let Pearce file for reimbursement dies

Pearce allies attempted to pass legislation that would have allowed the former Senate majority leader to file a claim for reimbursement of the more than $260,000 he spent trying to keep his seat in last year's recall election.

But many other Republicans refused to go along, killing the bill for this session, although it could come back next year.

Although the bill was clearly aimed at Pearce, it would have allowed any recalled official to file a similar claim for recall campaign expenses.

Much of what Pearce spent trying to stave off a challenge by fellow Mesa Republican Jerry Lewis was left over from previous campaigns, and could have been used in his effort to regain his seat if he hadn't had to use it for the recall.

The Republican resistance disappointed Sen. Steve Smith, R-Mesa, one of Pearce's fiercest allies at the Capitol. But Smith said his support of the plan had nothing to do with Pearce.

He pointed out the Arizona Constitution requires the Legislature to enact laws "including provision for payment by the public treasury of the reasonable special election campaign expenses" of the recalled official. But the last law on the books detailing how that would happen was repealed in the 1970s.

The measure would have set up a procedure for a recalled official to submit copies of all expenses to the Legislature. Lawmakers themselves would decide how much of the spending fits the definition of "reasonable" and then enact legislation to pay it, subject to approval by the governor.

It was retroactive to last November, which would have made Pearce eligible.

Smith acknowledged the measure would allow a recalled official to get state tax dollars even if the candidate spent no personal funds on the race.

But he said that's irrelevant. In fact, Smith said if a recalled official were not going to run again - and not going to use the money to replenish a campaign account - he believes the person would be entitled to pocket the money.