Can Jan Brewer Run for a Third Term as Governor?

For the second time in as many years, Governor Jan Brewer's starting the rumor that she can run for a third term.The main problem with that would be the Arizona Constitution, which has a section intended to prevent governors from getting a third term.The argument from Brewer's camp is that...

By Matthew Hendley

May 22, 2012

[
        {
          "name": "Air - MediumRectangle - Inline Content - Mobile Display Size",
          "component": "18478561",
          "insertPoint": "2",
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "2"
        },{
          "name": "Editor Picks",
          "component": "16759093",
          "insertPoint": "4",
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "1"
        },{
          "name": "Inline Links",
          "component": "17980324",
          "insertPoint": "8th",
          "startingPoint": 8,
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "7",
          "maxInsertions": 25
        },{
          "name": "Air - MediumRectangle - Combo - Inline Content",
          "component": "16759092",
          "insertPoint": "8th",
          "startingPoint": 8,
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "7",
          "maxInsertions": 25
        },{
          "name": "Inline Links",
          "component": "17980324",
          "insertPoint": "8th",
          "startingPoint": 12,
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "11",
          "maxInsertions": 24
        },{
          "name": "Air - Leaderboard Tower - Combo - Inline Content",
          "component": "16759094",
          "insertPoint": "8th",
          "startingPoint": 12,
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "11",
          "maxInsertions": 24
        }
      ]

For the second time in as many years, Governor Jan Brewer's starting the rumor that she can run for a third term.

The main problem with that would be the Arizona Constitution, which has a section intended to prevent governors from getting a third term.

The argument from Brewer's camp is that since she took over for former Governor Janet Napolitano two years into a four-year term, it doesn't count against her as a "term."

As we explained yesterday (and last year, for that matter), here's how the law has read since 1992:

"No member of the executive department shall hold that office for more than two consecutive terms. This limitation on the number of terms of consecutive service shall apply to terms of office beginning on or after January 1, 1993. No member of the executive department after serving the maximum number of terms, which shall include any part of a term served, may serve in the same office until out of office for no less than one full term."

Take note of the "any part of a term served" portion there.

Based on that, can Brewer grab a third term as governor?

Cast your vote below:

KEEP NEW TIMES FREE... Since we started New Times, it has been defined as the free, independent voice of Phoenix, and we'd like to keep it that way. Your membership allows us to continue offering readers access to our incisive coverage of local news, food, and culture with no paywalls. You can support us by joining as a member for as little as $1.