DeLuca Leaves Leadership Post

Hartford Courant:

"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."

He issued a brief statement:

Sen. Louis C. DeLuca, R-Woodbury, resigned today as leader of the Senate Republican minority.DeLuca, 73, who pleaded guilty two weeks ago to a misdemeanor threatening charge, will retain his Senate seat.

Not much new this afternoon regarding the Chairman...The Day has the AP brief.