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Lexington Comair Crash Supplemental The Election Process in Kentucky

Alex Constantine - December 1, 2006

10466892 10466895 slarge - Lexington Comair Crash Supplemental"Votes for the deceased Mr Catron will not be counted, but technically the deputy, who is being held in prison, could still emerge the winner ... "

Bloodshed mars Kentucky campaign
28 May, 2002

By Steve Kingston
BBC News in Kentucky

The people of a small town in the American state of Kentucky are voting for a new sheriff on Tuesday.

The election takes place against a backdrop of murder, intrigue and allegations of vote-rigging, reminiscent of the political campaigns of the 19th Century.

Sheriff Sam Catron was seeking re-election

The existing sheriff of Pulaski County was shot dead last month in the small town of Somerset while seeking re-election.

sam sticker - Lexington Comair Crash Supplemental
patch.php - Lexington Comair Crash SupplementalAmong those charged in connection with the murder is his former deputy, who had become a campaign rival.

As recently as 100 years ago, this would not have raised too many eyebrows, but the people of Kentucky had hoped a reputation for lawlessness and electoral corruption had been left behind.

Sam Catron2 - Lexington Comair Crash SupplementalSam Catron was killed as he left a campaign fish fry at a local fire station.
Within hours the police had arrested Jeff Morris, Mr Catron's former deputy, now a rival for the post of sheriff.

He faces trial and possible execution for conspiracy to murder.

Bloody election season

Under Kentucky law, the names of both men have still appeared on the ballot paper for the election, which will determine the Republican candidate for a final run-off for sheriff in November.

Votes for the deceased Mr Catron will not be counted, but technically the deputy, who is being held in prison, could still emerge the winner.

The poll marks the end of a bloody election season in Kentucky which has seen two candidates murdered, a county clerk shot at, and elections in some areas suspended amid allegations of vote-buying.

BananaRepublic - Lexington Comair Crash SupplementalAs one local commentator put it, it makes the state of Kentucky seem like some sort of banana republic.

bloodshed%20color - Lexington Comair Crash Supplemental