Oklahoma Gov. Brad Henry says he has begun seeking a replacement for Carroll Fisher, the state's former insurance commissioner.[@@]
Fisher resigned from his post 2 days before the start of an impeachment trial on corruption charges.[@@]
"By law, Deputy Insurance Commissioner Daryl England will serve as acting director until a successor is named," the governor says in a statement.
Henry told reporters he hopes to fill the $99,825-a-year commissioner post within 30 days.
Fisher's attorney, Irwin Box, delivered his client's letter of resignation Friday morning. Henry, who had asked Fisher to step down weeks ago, accepted it immediately.
Fisher has been indicted in connection with criminal charges that include allegations of mishandling charity funds and political contribution money.
Earlier Fisher told National Underwriter "I will fight this to the end."
In the past, Fisher ignored calls for his resignation from the Oklahoma attorney general and House speaker. Fisher had said he expected legislators would apologize to him after he proved his innocence.
Fisher's decision to resign was, Henry says, "without question, the best course of action for the people of Oklahoma. Although Fisher can continue his legal battles as a private citizen, our state will be spared the cost and damage of an ouster trial in the Senate."
Just 2 days before his resignation, Oklahoma Supreme Court Chief Justice Joseph M. Watt had denied a request by Fisher to delay the impeachment trial that was due to begin today, ruling that "the issues presented by the specified articles of impeachment have been known by all parties for many months."
Fisher was accused in the articles of neglect of duty, incompetence and corruption in office and alleged to have:
