Rep. Bill Janklow, R-SD, was found guilty of second-degree manslaughter, reckless driving, running a stop sign and speeding for an Aug. 16 crash that killed Hardwick, MN, motorcyclist Randy Scott, 55, The Associated Press reported.

The former congressman planned the official close of his political career to coincide with his sentencing – a decision that also means the special election to fill his seat will be held during South Dakota's June 1 primary.

Janklow, a dominating force in South Dakota politics for 30 years, appeared stunned as the verdict was read: Within two hours, the Republican announced his resignation.

"I wish to inform you that because of present circumstances, I will be unable to perform the duties incumbent on me in representing the people of South Dakota as their U.S. representative," Janklow, 64, wrote in a letter to be delivered Dec. 9 to House Speaker Dennis Hastert.

"Therefore I wish to inform you that I will resign from the House of Representatives, effective Jan. 20, 2004."

Second-degree manslaughter carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $10,000 fine. Without the resignation, the conviction would have prompted an investigation from the U.S. House Ethics Committee.

The defense has about a month to appeal. Outside the courtroom, Marcella Scott, the victim's mother, said she was satisfied with the verdict.