By Steve Peoples

PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- Governor Carcieri's chief legal counsel, Kernan F. "Kerry" King has resigned, effective today.

The governor's spokeswoman, Amy Kempe, would not immediately provide a copy of his resignation letter, which was submitted Friday, but indicated that King was leaving to "pursue candidacy for an elected position."

Indeed, King has scheduled a Tuesday evening press conference in which he will announce a run for state treasurer. The Rhode Island Republican Party has yet to name a candidate to face off against Democratic hopeful Gina Raimondo.

King, a Republican, ran an unsuccessful campaign for lieutenant governor in 2006.

He confirmed today that he is running for treasurer. He also said that he had been working for the governor since May 1 for no pay. (Officially, his annual salary was $112,762.)

"I have not been paid as of the first of the month, even though I've continued to work in an official capacity," he said. "I'm in and out, and my focus started to shift away from my day-to-day responsibilities. I didn't want to have any discomfort."

With just six months left in his final term as governor, it is unclear if or when Carcieri will replace King.

"There's been no decision on who will serve as chief legal counsel," Kempe said.