COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Facing possible impeachment, Ohio Attorney General Marc Dann resigned Wednesday amid the scandal of a sexual harassment investigation in his office and his extramarital affair.

Dann, 46, led the state on a 10-day odyssey, at first refusing to resign despite demands by Democratic Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland and others within his party, a growing number of investigations into conduct at his office, and the filing Tuesday of articles of impeachment against him.

Dann, a Democrat, admitted May 2nd to an extramarital affair with an employee that he said contributed to an atmosphere leading to sexual harassment claims against a top aide and the departure of three others.

His resignation follows action by state authorities who opened their investigation of Dann by removing computers and files from his office.

The announcement came in a hastily called news conference in the Governor's cabinet room.

Standing with Strickland at his side, Dann nervously read a statement.

He said he had realized it was necessary to leave to preserve the ability of the office to carry out the priorities he established.

"It is now clear to me that the only way to protect these priorities for the office of attorney general and for the people of Ohio is to remove myself from the situation," Dann said.

Dann said he was leaving the news conference to join his wife and children at home in Youngstown.

"It is now my highest priority to focus on my family," Dann said.

After his three minute statement, he left the cabinet room without taking questions.

Strickland, who led the call for Dann to resign, said it was a sad day.

"It is appropriate for us all to acknowledge the personal pain and anguish that these events have caused the attorney general, his family members, his staff and others," Strickland said.

The governor said he would immediately begin the process of choosing a new attorney general.

His pick for the job will have to stand for election in November.

Dann's resignation was prompted by increased pressure that had been building for several days.

State lawmakers and the governor approved an emergency bill Tuesday directing the inspector general to investigate Dann.

Democrats also introduced nine articles of impeachment.

State Rep. John White, R-Kettering, said the last two days have been the most bizarre he has seen in his seven and a half years as a lawmaker.

“We are, both Republican and Democrats, trying to do the right thing, White said.

Even with Dann's resignation, multiple investigations from the Ohio Highway Patrol, Inspector General, State Auditor, and even the FBI will continue.

At mid-day Wednesday, investigators removed computers and files from the attorney general's office.

In the hours that followed Dann's resignation, reaction poured in from other top politicians statewide.

Here is a sampling of statements:

Kevin DeWine, State Representative, R-Beavercreek, and Deputy Director of the Ohio Republican Party-

"This embarrassment is far from over. Marc Dann's resignation is overdue, and the investigation into his mismanagement and corruption must continue.

"We've spent the past 15 months pointing out that Marc Dann was not suited to be Ohio's attorney general, and now that it's politically expedient the Democrats finally decided to join us.

"The first priority right now is restoring the integrity of the attorney general's office. We will then begin the process of identifying a Republican candidate who will make Ohioans proud of their attorney general again."

House Speaker Jon Husted, R-Kettering-

“His resignation is long overdue.

“We can now allow the Inspector General’s independent investigation – and others – to take their course so integrity and public trust can be restored to the office of the Ohio Attorney General.”

Former Attorney General Betty Montgomery, who lost to Dann in the 2006 election-

“I have been saddened by the many problems the Attorney General and the Attorney General's office have faced over these past tumultuous weeks. This is an office with a proud history and an important mission. For many years I was honored to work with a staff which worked tirelessly meeting the needs of its clients and working to protect all Ohioans. They were competent, dedicated professionals, proud of their responsibilities, and proud to be stewards of the public trust.

“Because Ohio needs an Attorney General and an Attorney General's office which is focused on its mission and the needs of Ohio, and because these employees as well as the citizens of Ohio deserve better, I believe Marc Dann has done the right thing by resigning. I know this is a very difficult time for him. I wish him and his family the best.

Montgomery said she will not be a candidate for attorney general in the November election.

jim.otte@whiotv.com