Goddard Violates Resign-to-Run Law

Nov. 6, 2009 - PRLog -- Arizona Attorney General Terry Goddard officially filed paperwork on Friday to explore a run for the state's top executive office. The news comes one day after Governor Brewer announced her bid to run for a full term of her own.

Arizona's resign-to-run law prohibits statewide elected officials from declaring candidacy for other offices before the end of their term's last year. Under the reading of the law, Goddard made a severe violation if he does not step down from his post as the state's Attorney General. He is not eligible to file paperwork until January 1, 2009 without immediately vacating his current position.

John Paul Mitchell, an independent candidate for governor, stated in early September, "I will call out Terry Goddard if he refuses to give up his Attorney General position with candidate committee paperwork filed." He continues, "Even the Attorney General and a long-time politician must abide by the laws of the state."

Months ago, Goddard was reported as saying the resign-to-run law is a "frivolous political stunt" and a "typographical error," suggesting it does not apply to exploratory committees.

When asked today, Mitchell stated, "Goddard's contempt for our state's laws is disturbing, especially since he is the lead investigator for complaints and violations. I would think Goddard above all other people would uphold our laws to the highest degree."

John Paul Mitchell is asking for Terry Goddard to immediately step down from his current office. He has promised to file a lawsuit in the courts if Goddard does not comply.