COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Embattled Ohio Attorney General Marc Dann faced even more pressure to resign, as state lawmakers took quick action Tuesday to pass a bill directing the state inspector general to open an investigation.

The bill passed the Ohio House early Tuesday and made its way through the Senate later in the day.

Gov. Ted Strickland signed the bill without comment hours later.

It followed a day of turmoil and intense negotiations at the Statehouse involving lawmakers and Dann’s future in office.

Fellow Democrats offered nine articles of impeachment, ranging from malfeasance for obstructing the investigation into sexual harassment of female employees in his office to gross neglect of duty for undermining the integrity of the office.

Dann snubbed Democrats and Republicans alike who called for his resignation.

It followed revelations that Dann had had an extramarital affair with a female staff member and had contributed to a hostile work environment that led to two other workers being sexually harassed by a top manager.

Four employees resigned or were fired, yet Dann continued to argue that he had suffered enough and planned to stay on the job.

Late Tuesday, Dann attempted to bargain with lawmakers over the terms of his resignation.

At one point in the day Dann was reportedly ready to resign, but backed away from it.

A statement issued by Dann spokesman Jacob Sullivan said: “Ohio Attorney General Marc Dann has not resigned and no further announcements are planned.”

The bill passed by lawmakers and signed by the governor directs Ohio Inspector General Tom Charles to investigate the AG office.

Dann also faces investigations by half a dozen other agencies, including the FBI.

The Columbus Dispatch reported Tuesday the FBI probe would focus on Dann’s relationship with gambling interests in the state.

Jim.otte@whiotv.com