ATLANTA (AP) — Georgia’s powerful House speaker has resigned after a suicide attempt and allegations by his ex-wife of an affair with a lobbyist.

Speaker Glenn Richardson says in a statement issued Thursday by the House communications office that his resignation takes effect Jan. 1.

He is resigning from the speaker position and his House seat.

He had won sympathy from even his political enemies when he revealed last month that he had attempted suicide by swallowing sleeping pills. But then his ex-wife went on TV and accused him of having “a full-out affair” with a lobbyist while they were still married.

The 49-year-old was once thought to be a serious contender for governor. He had been silent since his ex-wife claimed this week that he slept with a lobbyist pushing a $300 million pipeline bill he was co-sponsoring.

Richardson is the first Republican to lead the Georgia House since Reconstruction and was one of the most powerful political figures in Georgia. He was once considered a formidable candidate for governor in 2010.

He recently revealed that he had attempted suicide on Nov. 8. Then his ex-wife told an Atlanta television station her husband had an affair with a lobbyist for Atlanta Gas Light at the same time he was co-sponsoring legislation being sought by the utility.

Earlier report:

State Rep. Barry Loudermilk, R-Cassville, could be a contender for House speaker if embattled Speaker Glenn Richardson resigns or is removed from the top post.

Loudermilk, who is at a legislative conference in Washington, D.C., said today that he received a call from a colleague asking if he would consider running if Richardson steps down.

“Somebody posted that on a blog, so I’ve been getting some calls on that,” he said.

Loudermilk, who is a member of the Floyd County legislative delegation, would say only that it’s an idea that deserves “thought and prayer.” But he did say he thought Richardson should resign.

“I think he really should at this point, for the good of the state,” Loudermilk said. “I haven’t called, and won’t call, for his resignation – that’s something he has to decide for himself. But we need to be able to focus on the state’s business.”



State Rep. Katie Dempsey, R-Rome, said she has been praying for Richardson and his family.



"I am saddened about the personal pain in Glenn Richardson's life, and I have been in prayer for him and for his family before the headlines of this week," she said. "However, our state faces enormous challenges that go beyond any one person's situation. That is why we must have a new speaker who is free to focus on these challenges. I am joining with those working to move forward with sound, fresh leadership."



Secretary of State Karen Handel used similar reasoning today when she became the first top elected Republican to call for Richardson to step down as speaker of the House.



In an interview with the Associated Press, Handel — a GOP candidate for governor in 2010 — said Richardson "needs to resign immediately for the good of the state and in the best interests of our citizens."



Richardson has been under fire after his ex-wife accused him of having an affair with a lobbyist. That claim, made this week, came just weeks after he revealed he tried to commit suicide.



Floyd County’s two Republican delegates from Rome, state Sen. Preston Smith and House Rep. Katie Dempsey, could not immediately be reached for comment. Floyd County’s two Democratic delegates were noncommittal.

“I think his caucus, the majority caucus, will probably take care of this,” said state Rep. Barbara Massey Reece, D-Menlo. “I don't want to be critical in a situation that is so tragic.”



State Rep. Rick Crawford, D-Cedartown, said “the process has to work itself out.”

Meanwhile, government watchdog and gadfly George Anderson of Rome has filed a complaint with the attorney general’s office asking it to open an ethics investigation into the situation.



A Joint Legislative Ethics Committee, which included some of Richardson’s appointees, looked into the allegations in 2007 but quickly dismissed the case.



Anderson contends the committee is “just for show (as in dog & pony show)” and says the attorney general has a responsibility to protect the public trust.