By Howard Fischer | Capitol Media Services | Casa Grande Dispatch
Three-term state Sen. Al Melvin announced Monday he intends to run for governor next year.
The Republican, whose district extends all the way from Oro Valley in Pima County through Arizona City and part of Casa Grande into the Pinal County community of Maricopa, said his campaign will focus largely on two issues: school vouchers and limits on jury verdicts. He said they will improve education and improve the business climate.
But, both provisions run directly afoul of the Arizona Constitution.
The Arizona Supreme Court ruled in 2009 that vouchers are specifically forbidden. The justices wrote that if lawmakers want such a program they first have to get voter approval.
Proponents have not even tried.
There have, however, been three separate statewide votes to repeal or alter other constitutional provisions, which now prohibit lawmakers from putting a cap on what can be awarded in civil lawsuits. All three were rejected.
Melvin, of Tucson, conceded the constitutional bar.
