California Secretary of State Kevin Shelley resigned Friday amid allegations of fund-raising improprieties.
Shelley, a Democrat, stepped down after the delay of a state legislative hearing scheduled for Thursday on allegations that he spent federal election funds for partisan purposes.
Examples cited included boosting his own political profile and using the money to pay experts to attend Democratic events.
“During the past six months, my office has been embroiled in controversy. During the last several weeks and days, it has become clear to me that the tides of this storm are overtaking this office’s very ability to function effectively,” he said outside his home in San Francisco. “It is with my deepest regret that I resign.”
Until recently, Shelley was seen as a rising star among California Democrats and a likely future candidate for governor. Although the secretary of state position is often a low-profile job, some, such as Jerry Brown, used it as a springboard toward the governor’s job.
Shelley grew up in political family; his father was mayor of San Francisco and a member of Congress. The son was elected as a San Francisco legislator and then state assemblyman. He has a reputation for a fiery temper and was criticized for abusive outbursts against his staff in a Jan. 25 report by the State Personnel Board.
Shelley defends his conduct
At his news conference, at which he fought back tears, Shelley apologized for his behavior toward others but said he never acted to subvert law or benefit himself. “I am so sorry that I am unable to complete the job that I started,” he said.
The resignation opens the way for Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger to appoint a fellow Republican in a state government dominated by Democrats.
In a statement after the resignation, the governor said he would act quickly to appoint a successor.
Schwarzenegger is seeking a special election later this year to pass referendums on redrawing California’s political districts, partially privatizing state pension funds and changing the state’s budget rules. The secretary of state’s office would oversee such a special election.
