DEVELOPING : Dimora Takes Leave of Absence as Cuyahoga Dem Chair

Cleveland's WKYC is reporting at this hour that party leaders in Cuyahoga County were being mailed a letter announcing the Leave of Absence of County Party Chair Jimmy Dimora effective July 1.

Here is Dimora's letter...

Here is Dimora's letter: "Effective July 1, 2009, I will be temporarily stepping aside as Chairman of the Cuyahoga County Democratic Party. I am doing this at this time for the good of the Party."

"I want to focus on my duties as Cuyahoga County Commissioner and to also clear my good name. In my temporary absence, the day to day oversight of operations of the Cuyahoga County Democratic Party will be the responsibility of the very competent, very capable, and extremely experienced Vice Chair, Patricia Britt."

"This is in accordance with Section 9 of the Constitution and By Laws of the Cuyahoga County Democratic Party. As has been the past practice with all Party officers, myself included as Chairman, our positions are volunteer and none of the officers have or will receive compensation for services rendered to the Party."

Ohio Democratic Party Chair Chris Redfern followed that up by calling on Dimora to resign. In a sharp and short letter to Dimora this morning, Redfern said:

Dear Mr. Dimora:
 
It has become apparent to me that your effectiveness to lead the Cuyahoga County Democratic Party has been irreparably harmed. Therefore, I am formally calling on you to resign as Chairman of the Cuyahoga County Democratic Party effective immediately.
 
Sincerely,
 
Chris Redfern

Chairman

Meanwhile, word on the street is that additional indictments in the county corruption probe could be coming as soon as next week. More on this as it develops.