It's amazing how the 'slow motion train wreck' who is also the co-author of Arizonas newly passed immigration law ( SB1070) state senator Russell Pearce district 18 can go before the unavoidable happens.
A short update on Arizonas finest, enjoy!
Russell Pearce career as a law enforcement officer is legendary. A sheriff's deputy for 23 years, (Chief Deputy/Under Sheriff) A judge North Mesa Justice Court for one year, director for the Governor's Office of Highway safety in 1994 and in 1995 worked as a director for the Arizona Motor Vehicle Division * before being elected as a state representative, he says that the half-million mostly Mexican illegal immigrants in Arizona are breaking the law simply by living there.
The Man Behind Arizona's Toughest Immigrant Laws
by Ted Robbins NPR may1,2010 -
Bill Konopnicki, another Morman Republican state representative in Arizona, says that Russell Pearce is sincere.
"I think Rep. Pearce really genuinely believes what he's doing is the correct thing ... and it's hard to argue against that position," he says.
He disagrees with his colleague's position, however. There's little evidence that illegal immigrants commit more crime than the rest of the population, he says, adding that the Mormon Church calls for compassion toward the stranger.
Opponents say Russell Pearce is a racist — a charge he vehemently denies. A devout Mormon, he says he is simply committed to the church's command for obedience to the law.
"I believe in the rule of law …'I've always believed in the rule of law. we're a nation of law"," Russell Pearce.
In 1995, Pearce became the Director of the Arizona Motor Vehicle Division. Pearce was fired from that position in 1999 by then Arizona Department of Transportation Director Mary Peters after an investigation revealed that Pearce and two underlings had tampered with a Tucson woman's driving record.
"This is someone who obviously has no problem with handling police officers legal powers -- and no problem with a little procedural abuse along the way".
The Arizona Republic, East Valley Tribune
Aug. 11, 2008 12:00 AM
The Arizona Republic
Arizona Local News - Phoenix Arizona News - Breaking News - azcentral.com
excerpt: During the whacky LD 18 election campaign here in Arizona past bon mots' - featured the states biggest newspaper the Arizona Republic sticking up for Russell Pearce against a flyer that eluded to Russell Pearce being a alleged 'wife beater'.
translation: the Ariz Republic does'nt think a canidate who knocked his wife
around over 30yrs ago should have to defend himself.
The mailer ( flyer) features details from a divorce petition filed by Russell Pearce's wife, LuAnne Pearce, in 1980. In it, LuAnne Pearce stated that her husband physically attacked her. The petition was later withdrawn, and the couple remains married.
Domestic violence legislation even back in 80's, even back in Arizona have come a longway. And today Russell Pearce is in the forefront of 'traditional family values' and marriage.
A petition for dissolution of marriage filed back in 1980 by Pearce's wife of over 30 years LuAnne. The document is unremarkable, save for one, line:
"Further, the husband, RUSSELL KEITH PEARCE, is possessed of a violent temper, and has from time to time hit and shoved the wife, the last time being on February 3 [1980], when he grabbed the wife by the throat and threw her down."
(above legal document was signed by and notarized, Mrs. Russell Pearce. on file Superior Court of the state of Arizona in and for the county of Maricopa)
Attorney E. Evans Farnsworth prepared the document back in 1980 while with the Mesa law firm Smith, Riggs, Buckley and Farnsworth. Now resides as pro-tem judge in Chandler, Ariz.
If this raised eyebrows the past Maricopa County politics should be viewed more closely with a functional gasmask. Russell Pearce currently carries water for Sheriff Joe Arpaio, and Arpaio has endorsed Pearce's campaign for the state Senate seat vacated by Republican crazy lady Karen Johnson. If you'll recall, four years ago, Arpaio’s henchmen had no problem digging up a bogus 30-year-old rape allegation against his then-Republican primary opponent and current general election contender Dan Saban.
USA Today
Arizona lawmaker circulated white separatist e-mail
Updated 10/12/2006 5:19 PM ET
PHOENIX (AP) — A state lawmaker who wants to reinstate a 1950s federal deportation program known as "Operation Wetback" is under fire again for sending supporters information from a white separatist group.
Republican Rep. Russell Pearce has apologized for e-mailing the article from the West Virginia-based National Alliance.
Pearce apologized, but never could explain why he was reading material from the National Alliance . ( Neo Nazi White Supremist group )