| | Paul Vernon/AP | | Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland answers questions during a news conference outside the Ohio Statehouse in Columbus, Monday about his request that Ohio Attorney General Marc Dann resign. |
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Risking impeachment, Attorney General Marc Dann on Monday refused demands from the governor and other fellow Democrats that he resign over a sexual harassment scandal in his office and an affair with a subordinate.
Gov. Ted Strickland told reporters that Democrats will begin drafting an impeachment resolution against Dann right away. Republican House Speaker Jon Husted said Monday that his chamber - which takes the first step in any impeachment - was already reviewing the process.
Virtually every state-level Democratic officeholder urged Dann to resign in a letter late Sunday after Strickland tried twice during the day to persuade him to leave office.
A sexual harassment investigation uncovered an atmosphere in Dann's office rife with inappropriate staff-subordinate relationships, heavy drinking and harassing and threatening behavior by a supervisor. On Friday, Dann admitted to an extramarital affair with a subordinate after the investigation threatened to reveal the relationship.
"I would hope the Attorney General will understand that his effectiveness as an attorney general has been so diminished that in my judgment he can no longer effectively serve in that office," Strickland said Monday. The governor and Dann were among many Ohio Democrats swept into office in 2006 in the wake of a Republican scandal over state investments.
"I think it's important for Democrats to send a very clear message that we will clean our own house," Strickland said.
For impeachment proceedings to go forward Dann must have committed a wrong act, according to the state constitution. Strickland declined to say what act or acts Democrats planned to name against Dann in the proceedings.
"The work of the Office of the Attorney General matters more, and is far more important, than any one person," Democrats said in their letter to Dann. "In many, many cases it is all that stands between the people and the powerful. Sadly, we no longer have even the most remote hope that you can continue to effectively serve as Attorney General and that is why we are asking for your resignation."
Dann had previously conceded that his own behavior had contributed to an atmosphere in the office that permitted two junior staffers to be harassed and threatened by Anthony Gutierrez, a friend and neighbor he had hired as an aide.
However, he insisted he is still capable of carrying on his work as the state's lawyer and top law enforcement officer.
"I am in the office, have rolled up my sleeves and am working on behalf of the people of State of Ohio," Dann said Monday in a written statement to his staff that he released publicly.
Viewing Comments 1 - 3 of 4
JAY
posted 5/06/08 @ 11:07 AM EST
Why should he resign.
Bill clinton didnt.
kendra girardot
posted 5/06/08 @ 11:29 AM EST
In response to Dann's comment about rolling up his sleeves and cleaning house: Good! We need people in office who will act in the best interest of the people of Ohio--good natured people with good will toward men and women. (Continued…)
Professional Student
posted 5/06/08 @ 8:06 PM EST
He ran on the platform of strong morals after several Republican scandals. He's an embarrassment to our government and should resign at the recommendation of every democrat in office. (Continued…)
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