The resignation comes after revelations of an affair between Attorney General Paul Morrison and a former staffer, Linda Carter, coupled with her allegations of sexual harassment and attempts by Morrison to use his influence in a federal investigation against Johnson County District Attorney Phill Kline.

Governor Sebelius, who had said earlier this week that the Attorney General should resign if the allegations that he tried to interfere with a federal investigation are proven true, said she "respect(s) Paul Morrison's decision to step down as Attorney General," and that "Kansans are are grateful to Paul for his twenty-seven years in law enforcement, serving the people of Kansas.'

According to Kansas law, the Governor now will appoint Morrison's replacement, provided that individual meets the state's qualifications for attorney general, who will serve the duration of the term."

Carter asserted that Morrison tried to persuade her to write letters on behalf of eight former employees fired by Kline after he took over the District Attorney's seat from Morrison, who had defeated Kline last November in the race for Attorney General.

Morrison had denied both the charges that he harassed Carter and that he weighed in on the Federal investigation into Kline.

According to Carter's account, the affair began in September 2005 and lasted about two years, while Morrison was running for attorney general and after he took office.

Reactions to Atty. Gen. Morrison's announcement:

Reacting to Morrison's announcement, Kansas House Speaker Melvin Neufeld (R-Ingalls) said the Attorney General's resignation was "in the best interest of the State of Kansas and his family.

"Kansas needs an attorney general who can focus on the duties of the office and the legal needs of the state. It is clear this is not possible for Mr. Morrison to do."

Neufeld added that he sees no need for the Kansas legislature to get involved with any of the pending investigations., but that the legislature may want to look into the procedures for filling vacancies."

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