Ky. Jury Convicts 2 Men of Election Fraud
/A Kentucky businessman was found guilty Thursday
of election fraud for orchestrating a scheme to buy votes from
impoverished mountain residents in two races in 2002. The jury
deliberated about four hours before returning the verdict against Ross
Harris, a Pikeville coal operator whom prosecutors portrayed as the
kingpin of the election fraud conspiracy. An associate was also
convicted, and both men face about two years in prison. The verdicts
came after a trial in which various witnesses told of voters gathering
in a church parking lot in an Appalachian county to collect $10 bills
after leaving the polls in the 2002 election. Others testified about
large contributions to some candidates before the election to be used
to buy votes. In closing arguments Wednesday, federal prosecutor Ken
Taylor described Harris as a behind-the-scenes political player who
"secretly funds campaigns with illegal contributions." [more 
]
- Vote Fraud Trial Opens [more ]
