A powerful Florida state senator and Republican candidate for governor resigned Wednesday, the day after an investigation found credible evidence of sexual misconduct.
Republican Sen. Jack Latvala continued to deny any wrongdoing as he announced he’s stepping down Jan. 5, and took parting shots at Republican leaders who he said called for his resignation before he could defend himself. Hours earlier, Republican Gov. Rick Scott and Attorney General Pam Bondi said he should resign. That came the day after former Judge Ronald Swanson issued a report that Latvala likely inappropriately touched a top Senate aide and may have broken the law by offering a witness in the case his support for legislation in exchange for sex acts. A second independent report was released Wednesday detailing similar behavior.