Former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich thought you needed money to be governor. Most people seeking a governor position assemble a war chest to seek office.

In Arizona you don’t need that war chest. All you need is the letters J-A-N in your first name. On September 5, 1997 Jane Hull took over the governor’s office after J Fife Symington III was impeached (no period or full stop after the letter J in his name).

Jan. 6, 2003, Janet Napolitano took office after being elected to the office – the third elected governor since 1978.Paul Fannin, elected governor in 1959 was the last Arizona governor not appointed by a resignation or impeachment to serve two or more full terms as Arizona governor.

Then, on Jan. 20, 2009 Jan Brewer assumed governorship after Janet Napolitano resigned. As for the outgoing Napolitano, on Feb. 7, 2009, the Arizona Republic reported: “Calling herself ‘very angry’ and ‘furious’ about the fiscal condition she inherited last month, Gov. Jan Brewer lashed out Friday at the former gubernatorial administration and warned that bleak times await Arizona.

“‘We have very deep valleys ahead of us,’ said Brewer, a Republican. ‘We are facing very, very critical times. I’m very angry, basically, that Arizona is in this shape that it’s in.’

“Brewer called the multibillion-dollar budget shortfall now confronting the state government a ‘product of mismanagement.’”

So, as you can see, to be governor in Arizona, you don’t need money. Brewer nor Hull spent money to be governor. All you need is J-A-N in your first name.