DELUCA RESIGNS AS MINORITY LEADER

Attaboy Galante! You just help take down the State Senate Minority leader.

I guess the rumors flying around the Capitol today were true but "Looney" DeLuca really didn't have any other choice.

Sen. Louis C. DeLuca, R-Woodbury, resigned today as leader of the Senate Republican minority.

He issued the following statement:

"After careful consideration, and out of respect for this institution and for my caucus, I have decided to step down from my leadership position. I promised from the beginning that I would not allow the mistake that I made interfere with my public office. By stepping down today, I am making sure that my personal issue does not overshadow all of the good work we've done and will do as a caucus."

"I want to say thank you to my friends, colleagues and constituents for the support they've given me and my family throughout this difficult time, and I apologize to anyone I've let down. It has been my pleasure to have served as Senate Minority Leader and I look forward to continuing to be a productive member of our caucus."

Update 1: State Senate President Don Williams issued the following statement:

"Senator DeLuca's decision to step down as Senate minority leader was the right decision for him to make, for both his caucus and for the people of Connecticut.

"The question of what, if any, other sanctions Senator DeLuca should face from his colleagues in the Senate is a question that my caucus will discuss when it meets again.

"Until then, I am putting all my energies into negotiating a fair and far reaching budget plan for the people of Connecticut."

Update 2: WTNH filed this early report.

DeLuca Resigns
Uploaded by ctblogger