PHOENIX (AP) -
Gov. Jan Brewer has appointed a longtime Phoenix lawyer and businessman to a four-year term on the state's Citizens Clean Elections Commission.
Mitchell C. Laird will fill the seat vacated by Jeffrey Fairman when his term expired.
Laird has been a licensed lawyer in Arizona since 1976 and founded his own law firm. He also is the state's largest owner of Burger King franchises, with 25 restaurants and 700 employees. He has served as general counsel to the state Republican Party.
Brewer says Laird's extensive experience in business, law and public policy will be a valuable asset to the Commission.
The voter-created commission uses surcharges on criminal fines and civil penalties to fund candidates for state office. Candidates also provide some funding with qualifying contributions and from fines for violations.
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