Bookout: No updates about legislative office

JONESBORO — A Democratic state senator who was fined and reprimanded by an Arkansas ethics panel says he doesn't have any updates about his intentions at the Legislature.

Sen. Paul Bookout of Jonesboro said in an email to The Associated Press on Tuesday that he resigned from his position with St. Bernards Healthcare on Monday because he felt it was best for both him and the hospital.

The Ethics Commission on Friday fined Bookout $8,000 and reprimanded him after learning that he spent thousands of dollars in campaign funds on women's clothing, a home theater and other personal items last year.

Bookout has said he'll reimburse his campaign $49,000 and repay contributors.

He has served in the state Senate since 2006. He was the chamber's president in the 2011 and 2012 sessions.

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