Dem leader says former GOP Speaker's expedited resignation amid FBI involvement creates new questions

Ohio House Assistant Democratic Whip Brigid Kelly (D-Cincinnati) today responded to former Republican House Speaker cliff Rosenberger’s expedited resignation from the Ohio House amid an FBI investigation into events in which he may have been involved. Rosenberger initially announced he would resign May 1, but late Thursday announced he was resigning immediately.

Kelly says the about face amid outside political-party pressure raises new questions about the legislature’s work and the breadth and depth of the federal investigation. Kelly issued the following statement:

“It is no secret that the people’s work in the state legislature has become overshadowed by suspicions of corruption and violations of the public trust since former Speaker Rosenberger announced he could be part of an FBI investigation. We are hopeful his expedited resignation helps us all get back to work on behalf of the taxpayers sooner, but the truth is, it also creates new questions about how the outside influence of political party pressure during an election year may be dictating the terms, conditions and deadlines of the people’s work in the legislature.

“The former speaker was right – allegations of public corruption and breach of the public’s trust is bigger than one person. That is why, even though one person has resigned, we are concerned that the impact and scope of this investigation remains unclear.”