Ohio Republican state Sen. Cliff Hite of Findlay suddenly resigned his seat Monday, just a month after saying he would run for re-election next year. He didn't initially indicate why. Now he's sharing more details.
Hite says in a statement on Twitter he was hospitalized recently and has two surgeries coming up, and his failing health was sapping his strength in traveling his district and to the Statehouse.
Hite also admits to conversations with a state employee in another office that he says were "not appropriate for a married man, father and grandfather." But beyond hugs he asked for, he says there was no physical contact.
Statements from Cliff and Diane Hite. pic.twitter.com/2WlpA2uh1q
— Cliff Hite (@Cliff_Hite) October 18, 2017
Hite apologizes and says it was his fault and a mistake in judgment, and that the woman and his wife deserve more respect.
His wife also signed the statement, saying they've had hard times in their relationship but he's apologized and she's forgiven him and they're in counseling.
Hite had been in the Statehouse for a decade, after a career as a high school teacher and football coach.