Fisher Quits, Okla. Gov. Seeks Replacement

Mr. Henry told reporters he would hope to fill the $99,825-a-year post within 30 days.

Mr. Fisher's attorney Irwin Box delivered his client's letter of resignation Friday morning and Mr. Henry, who had asked Mr. Fisher to step down weeks ago, accepted it immediately.

The previous week Mr. Fisher, who has been indicted on criminal charges that include allegedly mishandling charity funds and political contribution money, told National Underwriter "I will fight this to the end."

In addition to the governor's request, he had previously ignored calls for his resignation from the Oklahoma attorney general and House speaker. Mr. Fisher had said he expected legislators would apologize to him after he proved his innocence.

His decision to resign, Gov. Henry said was "without question, the best course of action for the people of Oklahoma. Although Mr. Fisher can continue his legal battles as a private citizen, our state will be spared the cost and damage of an ouster trial in the Senate.

Two days before his resignation, Oklahoma Supreme Court Chief Justice Joseph M. Watt had denied a request by Mr. Fisher to delay the impeachment trial that was due to begin today, ruling that "the issues presented by the specified Articles of Impeachment have been known by all parties for many months."

Mr. Fisher in the articles was accused of neglect of duty, incompetence and corruption in office and alleged to have:

? Pocketed $1,000 in campaign money for personal use.

? Put money for a continuing education program in private accounts.

? Used his office to solicit for a private charity.

? Accepted office furniture from an insurer he gave a favorable ruling to for a business acquisition.

? Used his official position to dig up dirt on a political opponent.

Mr. Henry said, "in accordance with the Oklahoma Constitution and state statutes, I will begin the process of appointing a new insurance commissioner. I will approach this position as I do every appointment, seeking the best person for the job. I am confident this process will produce a highly qualified commissioner with unquestioned honesty and integrity."

Mr. Fisher, who was elected twice to his post, said in a statement he was proud that licensed agents and revenues increased under his tenure.

Prior to the House vote on impeachment articles, which went overwhelmingly against him, Mr. Fisher said he had offered to give any member who visited him his side but none came. He refused to testify for an investigating panel.

He resigned, he said, because as he prepared for his State Senate trial, "I realized my efforts were futile. I have always prepared for success and not failure. When faced with that reality, I made the decision that I believe is in the best interest of all Oklahomans, most especially my family."

He continues to face criminal charges concerning the campaign donation, illegally operating a charity and mishandling funds for an insurance education conference.

David Meuser, a spokesperson for the insurance department said, Mr. Fisher "resigned on Friday, business as usual on Monday." He said Mr. England was meeting with staff and "the governor is expected to make an appointment some time in the next month or so."