U.S. Republican Rep. Jeff Fortenberry of Nebraska resigns on Saturday after California jury he condemned him of lying to federal authorities about an illegal campaign donation by a foreigner. In a letter to the House, Fortenberry said he was resigning from Congress, starting March 31st.
Fortenberry’s announcement came after concerted pressure from political leaders in Nebraska and Washington to step down. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy on Friday urged Fortenberry to resign. Nebraska Republican Gov. Pete Ricketts said Fortenberry should “do the right thing for his constituents” and leave the post since 2005.
Brian Melley / AP
Fortenberry’s withdrawal from the primaries leaves state Sen. Mike Flood as the likely GOP candidate. The former president of the Nebraska Legislature, who has won the support of Ricketts and former Gov. Dave Heineman, has a strong advantage in the Republican-leaning 1st Congressional District. State Sen. Patty Pansing Brooks, a Lincoln Democrat, is also running for office.
Pansing Brooks said Fortenberry’s conviction is a “ton of attention” that the district needs a change.
Fortenberry will be sentenced on June 28.
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