It's a challenge keeping track of all the Dem superdelegates who have been charged with crimes or who are under ethical clouds, because the number grows week by week. The latest is Dem superdelegate Marc Dann, Ohio's attorney general. On Friday he admitted to an extramarital affair with a state government employee. Examiner.com:Ohio's attorney general admitted an extramarital affair with an employee Friday, soon after three of his aides were fired or forced out after an investigation found evidence of sexual harassment and other misconduct.
Leaders of both parties were critical of Attorney General Marc Dann, one of several Democrats swept into office in 2006 after a scandal over state investments sullied Republicans. He apologized to his wife and supporters but promised not to step down.
"I'm embarrassed. I have taken responsibility for what I've done," he told reporters.
Dann had lived with two of the aides at an apartment during much of his first year in office and some of the alleged harassment by one of the aides occurred there.
"I did not create an atmosphere in my public and personal life that is consistent with the important mission of the Office of Attorney General ...," Dann said. "I am heartbroken by my failure to recognize the problems being created and by my failure to stop them."
Ohio GOP deputy chairman Kevin DeWine called for Dann's resignation, saying he turned the attorney general's office into a "raunchy frat pad."
Democratic Gov. Ted Strickland said the investigation showed a "double standard" with Dann staying while some employees were let go.
Dann, 46, said the affair was consensual and refused to disclose the name of the employee. He said the relationship came during a difficult time in his marriage, but that it "was wrong and I deeply regret it."
Dann's scheduler, Jessica Utovich, with whom he had a close relationship in which they often used profanity, nicknames and teasing when e-mailing each other, resigned voluntarily, said Tom Winters, first assistant attorney general. He did not give a reason.
When interviewed for the sexual harassment investigation conducted by assistant attorneys general, Dann said Utovich stayed overnight at an apartment he shared with the two aides for a variety of reasons that he would not discuss. During her interview, Utovich would not say whether she ever stayed overnight at the apartment during her interview.
Dann's wife, Alyssa Lenhoff-Dann, director of Youngstown State University’s journalism program, is an Obama supporter. (Photo credit: Pho's Akron Pages)
.Other Dem delegates under an ethical cloud:
Dem superdelegate Acevedo Vila indicted on 19 felony countsDem superdelegate Kwame Kilpatrick indicted for perjury, obstruction of justice
Dem superdelegate Alcee Hastings was removed from office for bribery and perjury
Dem superdelegate Nancy Worley indicted on felony campaign finance violations
Dem superdelegate William Jefferson indicted for conspiracy and solicitation of bribes
Dem superdelegate Jim McDermott ordered to pay $1 million in legal fees
Dem superdelegate Jimmy Carter met with Hamas terror leader
Dem delegate Sharpe James and mistress convicted in corruption trial
Dem delegate Derrick Shepherd indicted
Husband of Dem superdelegate Debbie Stabenow told police he paid a prostitute for sex
Obama delegate arrested for filing false police report
Another superdelegate facing legal trouble? Plea deal by former aide to Blagojevich may signal future prosecution
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