Rose mofford biography and facts

She was a bipartisan leader who often reached across the political aisle.

Rose mofford biography and facts: Rose Mofford (née Perica; June

Governor Evan Mecham was impeached on February 8, Per the Arizona Constitution, his powers were suspended and Mofford became acting governor. While most observers complimented her on the job she performed, Mecham objected to Mofford replacing the one state department head that he had appointed. Mecham was convicted on two of four articles in the impeachment trial and removed from office on April 4, Mofford was sworn in as Governor for the balance of Mecham's term, despite the fact that Article V, Section 2, of the Arizona Constitution, then provided that all state office holders must be male persons.

In an election held on November 8,Arizona voters adopted Propositioneliminating the gender-specific qualification for office. Mofford was thought to have had a rocky transition to the governorship at first, as she faced a collapse of the real-estate market and a high deficit left over from the previous administration. Mofford's primary goal as governor was to return stability to Arizona.

She was called "the healing governor", and some thought it was her duty as governor to repair the state. Mofford also received this nickname due to her ability to ease racial division in Arizona, which some considered a problem under Mecham. Her efforts were widely held as providing a calming effect following the tumultuous impeachment and recall proceedings of her predecessor.

State Senate Democratic leader Alfredo Gutierrez said of her actions, "What she did was reinvest the system with dignity and honor. Mofford fought for higher bonding limits and increased funding for mental health programs in Arizona. She strongly opposed English-only instruction in Arizona schools and considered herself an advocate for civil liberties.

Known for her fondness for athletics, Mofford created a funding mechanism to keep Major League Baseball's Cactus League in the state. Mofford tried to increase political leadership opportunities for women in the state, appointing more minorities and women to commissions, boards, and courts than any other past Arizona governor. Mofford advocated for the re-establishment of Martin Luther King Day as a paid state holiday; this holiday had been rescinded under her predecessor.

The holiday was eventually reinstated by popular vote in after she had left office. In addition to her state position, she served from until as president of the National Association of Secretaries of State. In traditionally Republican Arizona, Democrat Mofford was well-liked by members of both parties. Governor Evan Mecham was impeached on February 8, Per the Arizona Constitutionhis powers were suspended and Mofford became acting governor.

Rose mofford biography and facts: Rose Mofford was an

Mofford was sworn in as Governor for the balance of Mecham's term, [ 16 ] despite the fact that Article V, Section 2, of the Arizona Constitution, then provided that all state office holders must be male persons. In an election held on November 8,Arizona voters adopted Propositioneliminating the gender-specific qualification for office. Mofford was thought to have had a rocky transition to the governorship at first, [ 18 ] as she faced a collapse of the real-estate market and a high deficit left over from the previous administration.

Mofford's primary goal as governor was to return stability to Arizona. She was called "the healing governor", and some thought it was her duty as governor to repair the state. Mofford fought for higher bonding limits [ 18 ] and increased funding for mental health programs in Arizona. Mofford advocated for the re-establishment of Martin Luther King Day as a paid state holiday; [ 23 ] this holiday had been rescinded under her predecessor.

InMofford stated her opposition to a bill banning abortions in the state except in extreme casesclaiming it was unconstitutional. Mofford enjoyed a high level of popularity in the state, but her popularity decreased when she commuted two murder sentences in ; [ 18 ] convicted murderers James Hamm and Carl Kummerlowe were able to attain early parole under her commutations, which she later tried to rescind.

In earlyMofford announced that she had decided not to run for election to a full four-year term. Mofford told reporters in that she hoped to be remembered "as a caring governor, because I cared about everybody in Arizona". Jude's Research Hospital. After leaving office, Mofford dedicated her time to civic and charitable activities. Even after she left office, Mofford was considered a mentor to several Arizona politicians.

Arizona was won by incumbent President George W. Bush that year.

Rose mofford biography and facts: Firsts: First female class president, Globe

In a interview, Mofford said, "I attribute my success in life to my roots, religion, and my Rolodex ". The couple divorced after a decade, but remained friends until his death in ; Rose Mofford retained Lefty's surname. They did not have children, and Rose Mofford never remarried. Mofford identified as a devout Catholic. On August 31,after falling at her home, Mofford was admitted to a hospice.

She died there on September 15,at the age of Ina new grave marker was unveiled for Mofford's grave, which includes among other things images of her meeting Pope John Paul II in and Mother Teresa in ; those meetings were some of her favorite times as governor. Contents move to sidebar hide. Article Talk. Read Edit View history. Tools Tools.

Download as PDF Printable version. Secretary of the Interior U. Secretary of the Treasury U. Secretary of Transportation U. Senator U. Supreme Court U. Date:. House Floor Speech — U. Miller, Carol D. Campaign status: Won Lost. Her first 15 years of employment taught her many things about the people of Arizona. Immigrants from all four corners of the globe had moved to Arizona looking for employment and a better life.

Their hard work, success, and contributions to Arizona gave Rose a deep understanding of what people need to achieve, and how state government can play a role in helping them reach their success. Rose returned to government employment in as assistant secretary to the Secretary of State. InRose, a hardworking and intelligent lady, found herself at the right place at the right time.

Governor Raul Castro, resigned his position to accept an appointment as ambassador to Argentina. Wesley Bolin, the Secretary of State became the new governor, according to Arizona law. Rose was asked to take his place as Secretary of State. Sadly, Wesley Bolin died after serving only four months as governor. Because Rose was appointed Secretary of State and not elected; she could not take the position of governor.