Idaho Rep. Mark Patterson said he'd resign by the end of this week in the wake of revelations that he'd pleaded guilty to a sexual assault charge in 1974.
But when Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter got the resignation letter Friday evening, it was clear that wasn't quite the case — Patterson made his resignation effective at midnight, Jan. 5.
Now Otter's office is trying to figure out if that leaves enough time to seat a replacement before the legislative session with Otter's State of the State address on Jan. 6.
Patterson has faced growing pressure to quit since the 39-year-old Florida criminal case came to light. Patterson pleaded guilty to assault with intent to commit rape, but didn't disclose the case on his application for an Idaho concealed weapons permit.