UPDATE: State Rep. Matthew Barrett Resigns
State Rep. Matthew Barrett has resigned from his post representing Ohio's 58th State House district in the General Assembly.
Minority Leader Joyce Beatty asked for Barrett's resignation in the fallout from a civics presentation Barrett was giving to students at Norwalk High School including a topless photo of a woman.
While it was initally reported that the photo was downloaded by one of Barrett's teenage sons, apparently Beatty demanded Barrett's resignation when she learned that that was not the case.
UPDATE: The folks at the Dispatch are reporting that Barrett knew the women in the photos and downloaded the images himself. The timing of Barrett's admission coincides with the police investigation into the matter that recently took place in Norwalk.
And, about our chances of holding the "fighting 58th":
The situation could hinder Democrats' chances of retaking control of the House. The 58th District is a GOP-leaning swing district covering Huron and parts of Lorain and Seneca counties. Barrett lost in 2004 by 8 percentage points, and then returned in 2006 to squeeze out a 2-point victory.
Democrats need a net gain of four seats to win a House majority. Beatty said she does not have a timeline for finding a replacement. Former state Rep. Dan Metelsky is mentioned as a possibility.
UPDATE 2X: The Elyria Chronicle-Telegram has a story in today's paper listing possible replacement candidates for Barrett.
What a lying scumbag. How could anyone tell the press his teenaged son did this, knowing the ridicule, humiliation, and isolation that would ensue for the child? Barrett is no father to his son--he's merely a sperm donator.
Norwalk Law Director Stuart O’Hara said today that an investigation by Norwalk police into the incident had been completed and he is seeking a special prosecutor from outside Barrett’s district to decide whether Barrett, an attorney, should be charged.