Gov. Mecham won't ask for vote of confidence

Gov. Evan Mecham of Arizona assured his fellow Republican chief executives yesterday that he would not ask them for a vote of confidence as he struggles to survive a recall effort and grand jury investigation. The word that Mr. Mecham would not ask for Republican Governors Association support was welcomed among the governors who were concerned about being drawn into the bitter controversy surrounding the Arizona governor.

Mecham has been a controversial figure since his upset victory in a three-way race in 1986. And has drawn fire with his decision to cancel a state holiday marking the birthday of the late Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.

Mecham also is being investigated by a grand jury looking into a $350,000 unreported loan to his campaign.