The Arizona Senate convicted Gov. Evan Mecham yesterday of attempting to thwart a death-threat investigation and misusing funds, making him the first U.S. governor impeached and removed from office in 59 years.

Acting Gov. Rose Mofford, a Democrat, became governor the moment the gavel fell to close the 21-9 vote to convict on the first charge, obstruction. Two-thirds of the 30-member, GOP-controlled Senate was needed for conviction.

The Senate then convicted the first-term Republican 26-4 on a charge he misused $80,000 from a protocol fund by loaning it to his auto dealership.

Mecham, who took notes in the Senate chamber as lawmakers voted, showed little emotion.

"Well, they don't like my politics. So we've finished a political trial," said the 63-year-old Mecham, smiling as he left the Senate chamber. Aksed what he intended to do next, Mecham said, "We'll decide tomorrow."

The vote ended a year-and-a-half of controversy that shook staunchly Republican Arizona and brought ridicule and criticism from politicians, comedians and the comic strip "Doonesbury."

Mecham, a former auto dealer who was elected in 1986 on his fifth try in a three-way race with 40 percent of the vote, had offended Blacks, Jews, women and others with offhand remarks and official actions.

A motion to bar him from ever holding state office in Arizona fell three votes short of a two-thirds majority, with 17 in favor and 13 opposed.

The last governor to be impeached and removed from office way Henry Johnston of Oklahoma, who was removed in 1929.

Mofford, in a statment, declared "the end of some difficult times in Arizona," and urged residents to "purge our hearts of suspicion and hate."

"Today none of us are Republicans, none of us are Democrats," she said. "We are all Arizonans. Let us go forward together as Arizonans."

The 192-seat gallery was nearly full, and there was a buzz after each vote on the charges yesterday.

Outside the building, Mecham supporters and opponents followed the proceedings on TV sets and radios. Each side cheered as votes favorable to their view were cast.

There are 19 Republicans and 11 Democrats in the Senate. On the first and decisive charge against Mecham, 10 Republicans and all 11 Democrats voted to convict: nine Republicans voted to acquit.

On the second count, 15 Republicans and 11 Democrats voted yes: four Republicans voted no. On whether to bar Mecham from future office, nine Republicans and eight Democrats voted for exclusion. 10 Republicans and three Democrats voted against.