Speaker Rosenberger Resigns

On Tuesday evening, Ohio Speaker of the House Cliff Rosenberger announced he would step down as Speaker and resign his seat effective May 1. The announcement comes as a surprise amid news and blog reports that the Speaker is being questioned by the FBI and has hired defense counsel.

In his statement, Speaker Rosenberger said “As I have said previously, I am aware of a federal inquiry being conducted regarding things I may have been involved in. First and foremost, I believe that all of my actions as speaker have been both ethical and lawful. However, I understand that the nature of this inquiry has the potential to be very demanding and intensive, and could take months or even years to resolve. Meanwhile, there are many important issues facing our state that deserve careful consideration and review, and Ohioans deserve elected leaders who are able to devote their full and undivided attention to these matters. I believe the institution of the Ohio House of Representatives is far more important than one person.”

The members of the Republican caucus will need to elect a new Speaker to preside over the Chamber. Until they do so, Speaker Pro Tem Kirk Schuring will maintain leadership responsibilities. 4/11/2018