Marc Dann
COLUMBUS, Ohio (Legal Newsline)- The Ohio lawmaker who is reviewing the impeachment processes for possible action against embattled Attorney General Marc Dann says he expects to present findings to legislative leaders Wednesday.
State Rep. Bill Batchelder, R-Medina, told the Dayton Daily News the state should not be a "banana republic" and there should be "some deliberation" on charges that Dann might face.
For his part, Gov. Ted Strickland and other top-level Democrats have told Dann that impeachment proceedings against him would proceed if he did not step down.
"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," read a letter signed by Strickland, Lt. Governor Lee Fisher, Treasurer Richard Cordray, Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner, Senate Minority Leader Ray Miller, House Minority Leader Joyce Beatty and Ohio Democratic Party Chairman Chris Redfern.
Dann, the 46-year-old Democrat who admitted to an affair with a subordinate and was criticized in a 57-page internal report for encouraging an atmosphere that led to sexual harassment claims in his office, says he has no intention of resigning.
"I am in the office, have rolled up my sleeves and am working on behalf of the people of State of Ohio," an email from Dann to his staff Monday read.
"I know that this is difficult, and I am truly sorry to have put all of you in this position. But our work is too important to do anything but our jobs today," he added.
From Legal Newsline: Reach reporter Chris Rizo by e-mail at chrisrizo@legalnewsline.com.