Arizona Supreme Court to issue opinion explaining Pearce recall ruling

The Arizona Supreme Court on Monday issues an opinion explaining its ruling that cleared the way for last week’s recall election for state Sen. Russell Pearce to be held.

The state high court’s Sept. 13 ruling upheld a trial judge’s decision against a challenge filed by a supporter of Pearce, a Mesa Republican known nationally for championing legislation against illegal immigration.

The challenge alleged that flaws in the recall drive’s paperwork meant that its supporters hadn’t submitted enough valid voter signatures to force the election to be held.

The trial judge ruled that the alleged flaws weren’t enough to derail the recall election when considered under a legal standard of substantial compliance with election laws.

Pearce lost to challenger Jerry Lewis in the recall election.

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