Republican Massie resigns as judge-executive to focus on Congressional race

FRANKFORT, Ky. - Republican congressional candidate Thomas Massie is stepping down from his position as Lewis County judge-executive to devote more time on his 4th District race against Democrat Bill Adkins.

Massie told the Associated Press his resignation will be effective at midnight Saturday, June 30.

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. Adkins, a Williamstown, Ky. attorney, beat former Army medic Greg Frank of Corinth, Ky., in the Democratic primary.

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.