Western Growers: RUSSELL PEARCE DEFEATED IN AZ RECALL

RUSSELL PEARCE DEFEATED IN AZ RECALL
In an unprecedented recall election yesterday, Arizona State Senator and Senate President Russell Pearce lost his seat to challenger Jerry Lewis. With 100% of all 16 precincts counted and an unknown number of early and provisional ballots left to tally, Lewis has garnered 54% of the vote while Pearce has 45%.
“This is great day for all the people in Arizona,” said Robby Barkley of Barkley Ag Enterprises in Yuma.

Media reports are calling the Pearce defeat a referendum on immigration policies and a rebuke of Pearce’s hard-line stance on the issue. “This will help move the legislature out of gridlock over the issue of illegal immigration,” said Will Rousseau of Rousseau Farming Company upon hearing the results of the election. “It is also a great day in the history of Arizona politics.”

Pearce conceded the race last night, but there is still no word on when the Senate caucus will meet to select a new president. It is expected that election will be held within the next week.