Another one bites the dust

Rep. George Wilber

"And another one gone, and another one gone..."

I am willing to bet that Queen wasn't writing lyrics about Connecticut's politicians, but those lines can be applied regardless.

Let's take a moment to reflect on the past few years.

Former Republican Gov. Rowland resigned in 2004. He was at the center of a corruption scandal and impeachment was being discussed.

Then came former Sen. Ernie Newton, a Democrat, who resigned in 2005 -- a day before pleading guilty to bribery, tax evasion and mail fraud.

Both got sentenced to prison.

Former Senate Minority Leader Louis De Luca, a Republican, resigned in 2007. He was being investigated by the Senate's Bipartisan Committee of Review after he pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor threatening charge.

Did I miss anyone?

Now, I guess it was the Democrats' turn to have someone resign.

Rep. George Wilber's last day as a lawmaker will be Nov. 1. The Democrat from Colebrook gave the Secretary of the State his resignation last night. He also dropped out of his November race.

Wilber allegedly paid $100,000 to a woman who claimed he sexually abused her as a child. He denies the allegations.

But he resigned. Why resign if you did nothing wrong? Wouldn't you fight to keep your job and your reputation?

Regardless, it looks like Democrats are already down a seat for next year. Republican John Rigby is the only one running in the 63rd House District now, and it's too late for the Democrats to replace Wilber.

But if the pattern of resignations continues, it looks like the next scandal in Hartford will be a Republican one. I guess things have a way of evening out in the end.