03-20-2007, 12:30 PM
FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) - A county-judge executive from the Kentucky Bluegrass region's outskirts followed a federal court order to resign Monday after his conviction for conspiring to buy votes.
Bath County Judge-Executive Walter Bascom Shrout resigned his office in a one-sentence letter to Gov. Ernie Fletcher. Shrout, convicted Friday of conspiracy to buy votes in last year's primary election, said his resignation was effective as of noon.
"I sure am," Shrout said of resigning, in a telephone interview. "I have no choice."
The 54 year old Shrout, a Sharpsburg Democrat, also was found guilty of obstruction of justice and making false statements to a federal agent.
Gov. Ernie Fletcher is likely to appoint a replacement within 30 days, a spokesman said. A special election for voters to pick a permanent replacement would be on the ballot in the November general election.
Last Friday, U.S. District Judge Joseph M. Hood gave Shrout until noon EDT on Monday to resign.
http://www.wkyt.com/wymtnews/headlines/6580392.html
Bath County Judge-Executive Walter Bascom Shrout resigned his office in a one-sentence letter to Gov. Ernie Fletcher. Shrout, convicted Friday of conspiracy to buy votes in last year's primary election, said his resignation was effective as of noon.
"I sure am," Shrout said of resigning, in a telephone interview. "I have no choice."
The 54 year old Shrout, a Sharpsburg Democrat, also was found guilty of obstruction of justice and making false statements to a federal agent.
Gov. Ernie Fletcher is likely to appoint a replacement within 30 days, a spokesman said. A special election for voters to pick a permanent replacement would be on the ballot in the November general election.
Last Friday, U.S. District Judge Joseph M. Hood gave Shrout until noon EDT on Monday to resign.
http://www.wkyt.com/wymtnews/headlines/6580392.html