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Wednesday, January 04, 2006

Law - End to election law standoff in Kentucky: Stephenson resigns

The Louisville Courier Journal reports today:

Dana Seum Stephenson gave up her yearlong battle to represent Jefferson County's 37th Senate District by resigning from a post without ever serving, clearing the way for a special election, possibly in February.

In a 1½-page letter, Stephenson said the legal impasse would hamper the legislative process if she didn't resign. She criticized the courts and the media, "who have tried to vilify my character."

"In keeping with what I feel is best for the people of my district, it is my duty to step down," she wrote, adding that she leaves with her integrity intact

Senate President David Williams said he would call for a special election as soon as the possibility ends for Stephenson's Democratic opponent, Virginia Woodward, to appeal a Supreme Court ruling in the case that said neither Woodward nor Stephenson could be seated.

Woodward's lawyer, Jennifer Moore, said her client has no plans to appeal and called on Williams to order the special election immediately.

The parties would decide who would run in a special election, which couldn't be held before Feb. 14.

Stephenson, whose residency was at the center of the challenge, said in an interview that she wouldn't run. Woodward has said she would "be honored" to be the Democratic candidate and plans to ask Democratic legislative district chairmen to select her.

For background, start with this Dec. 22nd ILB entry, and this one from Dec. 23rd.

Posted by Marcia Oddi on January 4, 2006 11:04 AM
Posted to General Law Related