Bill Would Create Lt. Governor Position In Arizona

A state House committee has voted to clarify gubernatorial succession in Arizona . It creates a new, elected official, a lieutenant governor, who would take office if the governor dies, quits or is forcibly removed from office.  Under the bill, the lieutenant governor would run for re-election on the same ticket as the governor. 

State Rep. J.D. Mesnard said that will guarantee some sort of continuity.

“I think there's something to be said for the voters wanted a particular vision in the governor's office when they supported the governor. And they don't intend that to change,” Mesnard said.

Mesnard said this could prevent the kind of radical changes the state experienced in 2009, when Democratic Gov. Janet Napolitano quit for a job with the Obama administration, elevating Republican Secretary of State Jan Brewer to the state’s top office. 

Under the bill, the governor would pick a running mate, like a president picks the vice presidential candidate.  But state Rep. Jonathan Larkin isn’t sure that’s the best way to pick the state’s number two official.

“Not saying that your best friend from high school wouldn't do a good job and he's more than qualified. But at the same time, it could go the other direction, too,” Larkin said.

Since the proposal would change the state Constitution, it will require voter approval to become law.

EDITOR'S NOTE: This article was modified to clarify the bill regards gubernatorial succession.

Updated 2/11/2015 at 11:46 a.m.