Under pressure from his temporary successor, House Speaker Cliff Rosenberger is resigning immediately from the legislature instead of at the end of the month as initially planned, according to House GOP spokesman Brad Miller.
Rosenberger's decision came at the request of House Speaker Pro Tempore Kirk Schuring, Miller said in a statement Thursday evening. Schuring is taking over the speaker's duties until a new speaker is elected to finish out the rest of the year.
"After now having time to fully assess the responsibilities of the office of Speaker, address the operational aspects of the Ohio House, and resolve questions regarding who has the appropriate decision-making authority, Rep. Schuring felt it was in the best interest of the institution that Cliff Rosenberger resign effective immediately," Miller stated.
Rosenberger said Tuesday that he would step down on May 1 amid an FBI inquiry into his spending and travel. The Clinton County Republican has denied any wrongdoing, but he said in a resignation statement that "Ohioans deserve elected leaders who are able to devote their full and undivided attention" to issues facing the state."
Thursday's announcement came as a surprise to House Majority Floor Leader Bill Seitz. Asked Thursday evening via text to confirm that Rosenberger was resigning immediately, Seitz responded, "I doubt that it is true. Would be news to me if it is!"
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