Nebraska treasurer refuses to resign post
Wednesday, November 26, 2003
By KEVIN O'HANLON
Associated Press Writer
LINCOLN, Neb. -- The state treasurer agreed to plead guilty to official misconduct Tuesday for writing phony checks, allegedly to protect her office from budget cuts. She vowed to stay in office despite Gov. Mike Johanns' request to quit.
Lorelee Byrd, 47, agreed to plead guilty to a single count of official misconduct. As part of a plea bargain, Attorney General Jon Bruning said he would not seek jail time for Byrd.
Each of the 13 misdemeanor counts she had faced was punishable by up to six months in jail and a $1,000 fine.
"Let me be very clear, I'm not considering resigning," Byrd said at a news conference hours later.
"I was elected to the job and I intend to keep working hard for all Nebraskans."
The governor, Byrd and Bruning are all Republicans.Powerful state Sen. Ernie Chambers, an independent, said Byrd might face impeachment proceedings since she has pleaded guilty to a crime having to do directly with the duties of her office. (snip/...)
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