Amid FBI probe, Ohio Speaker Cliff Rosenberger resigns immediately

COLUMBUS - Ohio Speaker Cliff Rosenberger resigned Thursday evening amid an FBI probe into his travel and expenses – forgoing another taxpayer-paid paycheck.

Fellow Republicans from Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine to Ohio Auditor Dave Yost had criticized Rosenberger's initial decision to delay his resignation until next month.

Rosenberger's No. 2, Rep. Kirk Schuring, ultimately urged the former speaker to leave sooner.

Rosenberger initially announced Tuesday that he would step down on May 1. The decision shocked fellow lawmakers still reeling from the news that the FBI was questioning Rosenberger's travel, expensesand lavish lifestyle. 

Among the trips was one to England, attended by lobbyists for the title lending industry. It was paid for by the conservative GOPAC Education Fund's Institute for Leadership Development.