Arizona justices OK recall for immigration law sponsor

By the CNN Wire Staff

STORY HIGHLIGHTS

State Senate President Russell Pearce was the primary sponsor of SB 1070
The law has been blocked by federal courts for the time being
Opponents delivered 18,000-plus signatures calling for Pearce's ouster

(CNN) -- Arizona's Supreme Court on Tuesday cleared the way for an upcoming recall vote aimed at unseating the primary sponsor of the state's controversial anti-immigration law.

Supporters of Arizona Senate President Russell Pearce had hoped to block the recall on the grounds that there were problems with petitions calling for the vote. But the justices upheld an August ruling by a lower court that threw out those arguments and allowed the recall to go ahead.

Pearce, a Republican, sponsored Arizona Senate Bill 1070. The former Phoenix-area sheriff's deputy is known for his tough stance against illegal immigration, and the controversial law would require local police, while enforcing other laws, to question the immigration status of anyone they suspected of being undocumented.

The most contested parts of the law have been blocked by federal courts, and the state is seeking a ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court on the issue. Meanwhile, opponents delivered more than 18,000 signatures in support of a recall vote in May.

In a statement issued Tuesday evening, Pearce said he would "stand proud" before the voters of his district.

"The voters in District 18 have elected me to office on 16 different occasions. I am confident that my campaign will be successful once again in November," he said.