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 ]