Last April, Evan Mecham became the first U.S. Governor to be impeached in 59 years. Last week it looked as if the impolitic Arizona politician might also be facing a prison term. But after a little more than six hours of deliberation, a jury acquitted Mecham and his brother Willard of charges that they violated election laws by concealing a $350,000 campaign loan.
While Mecham no longer faces criminal charges, few expect a quick revival of his tattered political career. His acquittal in no way affects his earlier impeachment, which was based on two unrelated charges: misusing state funds and trying...