Magoffin judge-executive trying to halt removal from office

FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) — The Magoffin County judge-executive is seeking reconsideration of a decision that would force him out of office because of corruption accusations.

The Lexington Herald-Leader (http://bit.ly/1HxG8wQ ) reports that Charles Hardin filed a motion for reconsideration Tuesday with the state Court of Appeals, disputing a three-judge panel’s June decision that the judge-executive’s election last year was corrupt and the position should be vacated.

Hardin’s motion will allow him to stay in office while the request is being considered.

Hardin, the incumbent, defeated John Montgomery by 28 votes in November. But Montgomery sued, offering evidence of vote buying and bribes. Hardin has denied being involved in vote fraud.

The appeals court found evidence of violations and said a special election should be held for the position.

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Information from: Lexington Herald-Leader, http://www.kentucky.com

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