The Kentucky Department of State is without a representative elected by the people with Secretary Trey Grayson submitting his resignation to Governor Steve Beshear on Friday.  Grayson lost Kentucky’s Republican nomination for the U.S. Senate to the anti-gay Tea Party favorite Rand Paul.

Grayson announced Friday that he is resigning effective immediately.

Grayson met with Governor Steve Beshear on Thursday to notify him of his decision.

Neither Democrats nor Republican can deny the accomplishments of Secretary Grayson during his near two (2) terms in office.

Grayson modernized the Office of the Secretary of State by bringing more services online, enhanced Kentucky’s election laws through several legislative packages, and revived the civic mission of schools in Kentucky by leading the effort to restore civics education in the classroom.

The Commonwealth of Kentucky is only one of three states who offer a “Fast Track” incorporating service, and Kentucky’s Department of State website has won several awards.

The Kentucky Department of State is headed by the Secretary of State, a constitutional officer of the Commonwealth.

The Kentucky Department of State has many duties, including:  holder of the Great Seal of the Commonwealth,  Chief Election Officer of the Commonwealth, Kentucky Land Office, Maintaining the Governor’s Executive Journal, co-signing all legislation with the Governor, serving out of state summons and warrants, appointing Notary Public’s, granting and revoking business licenses, as well as granting and revoking permission for a company to do business in Kentucky.

“I cannot thank the citizens of Kentucky enough for the opportunity to serve them. During my tenure, we have accomplished nearly every goal we set forth, and I am confident that the Office of the Secretary of State is more efficient and is a better resource for Kentuckians than ever before,” Grayson said.

Governor Beshear announced Friday that he will appoint Elaine Walker, the current mayor of Bowling Green, as Kentucky’s new Secretary of State.

The Commonwealth’s next election for constitutional officers is this year.

Grayson plans to move his family East after the school year is completed.