FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) -- Republican congressional candidate Thomas Massie has submitted his resignation as Lewis County judge-executive, effective midnight Saturday.
Friday Massie told The Associated Press he is stepping aside so he can spend more time on his 4th District race against Democrat Bill Adkins, a northern Kentucky attorney.
Massie breezed through the May primary with the political and financial clout of the tea party behind him, beating a field of seven Republicans, including two well-established candidates, state Rep. Alecia Webb-Edgington and Boone County Judge-Executive Gary Moore.
In winning the GOP nomination, Massie became the overwhelming favorite in the November general election in a district that has a history of electing Republicans.
Massie sent his resignation letter Friday to Democratic Gov. Steve Beshear, who will appoint a successor.
