Rep. Jeff Fortenberry (R-Neb.) announced Saturday he is resigning from Congress after being convicted of three felonies related to a federal probe of illegal campaign contributions.
His decision, which he announced after he returned to his home state, caps a remarkable political fall and came after top House leaders prodded him to end his nine-term career in the lower chamber following the guilty findings Thursday night by a jury in Los Angeles.
“Due to the difficulties of my current circumstances, I can no longer serve you effectively,” Fortenberry said in a statement.
House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy on Friday suggested Fortenberry should resign from Congress, indicating he would talk with the congressman that day.
“I think when someone’s convicted, it’s time to resign,” McCarthy told reporters on the final day of the House GOP retreat. The news shocked many of Fortenberry’s colleagues who cited the nine-term congressman’s commitment to his faith.
Hellbound and Down 