Every law regulating ballot measure campaigns, political action committees and possibly even candidates’ campaign committees in Arizona may soon be wiped from the books, at least until the Legislature can write new ones.

A group whose parent organization spearheaded the ouster of Russell Pearce from the Capitol last year has spent roughly $22,000 so far to help ensure he doesn’t return to the Legislature.

The group that helped drive Russell Pearce out of the state Capitol last year has created a campaign committee to help block his comeback to the Senate this year.

The campaign of Bob Worsley, who is running against former Senate President Russell Pearce to represent a large portion of Mesa, has received another boost, announcing today that the businessman bagged the backing of three of his hometown’s council members.

A phantom of sorts lurked in the Senate last session.

Divas weren’t held captive in a cellar. Chandeliers weren’t damaged. But ousted Senate President Russell Pearce’s presence was felt in the chamber that he once ran.

Despite a flood of letters from cities and towns opposing the bill, Gov. Jan Brewer today signed legislation requiring municipalities to consolidate their elections with the state.

A last-minute push to create the legal framework to reimburse recalled politicians for their campaign expenses died on the last day of session, after allies of former Sen. Russell Pearce failed to consolidate support behind the legislation.

The proposal could have paved the way for Pearce to get a reimbursement of more than $260,000 — the amount his campaign spent defending him last year, when he was ousted from the Senate in a recall election.

Allies of former senator Russell Pearce secured a critical step in pushing for legislation that creates the framework for reimbursing officials who face recall elections.

The proposal could pave the way for Pearce getting a reimbursement of more than $260,000 — the amount his campaign spent defending him last year, when he was ousted from the senate in a recall election.

Former Senate President Russell Pearce says he would consider accepting a $260,000 reimbursement from the state for the expenses of his recall election if his allies in the Legislature are successful in securing the money for him.

The Senate today approved legislation that could make it more difficult for voters to remove lawmakers from office. The measure stems from the defeat of then-Sen. Russell Pearce, the architect of SB1070 and major anti-illegal immigration laws in Arizona, following a successful recall effort last year.