Handel: Richardson should step down

ATLANTA - Secretary of State Karen Handel on Thursday became the first top elected Republican to call for Glenn Richardson to step down as speaker of the House.

In an interview with the Associated Press, Handel a GOP candidate for governor in 2010 said Richardson ``needs to resign immediately for the good of the state and in the best interests of our citizens.''

Handel says the Legislature is facing very serious issues that require ``leadership and focus.''

Richardson has been under fire after his ex-wife earlier this week accused him of having an affair with a lobbyist. That claim, made this week, came just weeks after he revealed he tried to commit suicide and several months after the allegations first surfaced.

Handel says she reached out to Richardson's office Wednesday morning to voice her concerns.

There are reports today that Richardson is on the verge of leaving the post. (See separate story.)

http://accesswdun.com/article/2009/12/225235