Ohio's attorney general resigned Wednesday under threat of impeachment because of a sexual harassment investigation in his office and his extramarital affair. Attorney General Marc Dann said at a news conference that he had to resign to preserve the ability of the office to carry out the priorities he established. "It is now clear to me that the only way to protect these priorities for the office of attorney general and for the people of Ohio is to remove myself from the situation," said the 46-year-old Democrat.

Dann, elected in 2006, spoke for less than three minutes and left Gov. Ted Strickland's ceremonial Statehouse room without taking questions.

He admitted May 2 to an extramarital affair with an employee that he said contributed to an atmosphere leading to sexual harassment claims against a top aide.

Three aides were forced out in the harassment investigation, which showed managers encouraged a casual work environment with frequent profanity and inappropriate interactions with subordinates.

Dann had resisted resigning, despite demands by Strickland and others within his party, a growing number of investigations into conduct at his office, and the filing Tuesday of articles of impeachment against him.

Strickland, who led the call for Dann to resign or be impeached, didn't name a replacement but said he would begin reviewing possible successors immediately.

Asked what qualities he would look for in a new attorney general, Strickland replied: "Maturity."

"We need someone who can provide confidence to the many, many employees of the attorney general's office," Strickland said.

Under law, First Assistant Attorney General Tom Winters will assume the responsibilities of attorney general until Strickland names a permanent replacement.

An investigation of the attorney general's office under Dann by state watchdog Tom Charles will continue, the governor said. But Dann did the honorable thing by stepping down, he said.

"This decision will allow the important work of the attorney general's office to continue without the distraction caused by recent events," Strickland said.

Strickland called it a sad day and said Dann accomplished many things in his relatively short time in office.

"It is appropriate for us all to acknowledge the personal pain and anguish that these events have caused the attorney general, his family members, his staff and others," Strickland said.

Written By JULIE CARR SMYTH

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