Rep. Mark Rozzi (D-Berks) announced his resignation as Speaker of the Pennsylvania State House of Representatives, effective immediately.

“There’s a lot of things wrong with Harrisburg. And the way I was elected speaker, that’s a prime description of what is wrong with Harrisburg because the Republicans had a majority at that time,” Rozzi said.

“But they tried to manipulate, hoodwink, snooker the members of this General Assembly by electing me, thinking that I would do their bidding for them. That I would turn against my party.”

“Leaders need to be equal amongst everybody,” he added.

“I was used as a child and that has tormented me throughout my life. I will never be used again.”

He plans to support Rep. Joanna McClinton (D-Philadelphia/Delaware) as his replacement.

“Joanna. I believe in your words. I believe in you. I, and all Pennsylvanians, am counting on you. I was not elected for this position and I will not stand in the way of the woman who was.”

Republican House Leader Bryan Cutler (R-Lancaster) offered comments hinting that he was not sorry to see Rozzi resign.

“As former Speaker of the House and the twice-elected Leader of the House Republican Caucus, I know that trust is the basis of a successful legislative leader and provides the ability to move our chamber forward,” Cutler wrote in a statement. “Unfortunately, despite the attempt to find a unique solution for an evenly-divided House, Rep. Rozzi openly broke that trust essentially from the moment he was elected.

“Right now, the House is in dire need of a reset, and I remain committed to working with anyone who is willing to work with us to find solutions. However, the only way we will be able to move forward is by lowering the temperatures that have risen due to an unforeseen lack of integrity that has set back our ability to work across the aisle.

“It is time to move on. I hope our colleagues on the other side of the aisle will join us in doing so.”