PHOENIX -- Arizona Gov. Janet Napolitano has joined the credit union lobby and consumer groups in urging defeat of a "dangerous" Nov. 4 referendum supporting enabling legislation on payday shops.

"In today's economy, the last thing we need is to force working families further into debt. Please join me in voting NO on Proposition 200," declared Gov. Napolitano in a press announcement which followed an anti-payday rally on the capitol steps last week.

In media ads, the Arizona Credit Union System joined by the North Carolina-based Center for Responsible Lending plus AARP and consumer groups have been vigorously urging the public to reject Prop 200 as "deceitful legislation" which in 2010 would free payday firms to charge predatory rates.

For weeks, the payday lobby has conducted a $12 million media campaign of its own touting Prop 200 as a measure to "reform and clean up the payday industry."

"Our campaign is thrilled to have the support of Governor Napolitano, a leader who has always been a friend to both the businesses and consumers of Arizona," said Ken Clark, manager for the No on 200 campaign. Clark lauded Arizona CUs for providing staff and resources to help defeat Prop 200.

The Arizona league said it has asked CU executives and other employees to pass out "Vote No" fliers on Nov. 4. Election analysts have rated Prop 200 passage as "very close--a tossup."