Missouri House Speaker John Diehl Resigns After Admitting to Sexting 19-Year-Old Intern: Find Out What She's Saying!

Kansas City Star had published text messages said to be between the 49-year-old Republican legislator and a college student participating in Capitol internship program

More sexting in the upper echelons of government, sigh.

Missouri House Speaker John Diehl resigned from his legislative seat Thursday after coming under fire for sending sexually explicit text messages to a 19-year-old intern, some of which were published yesterday by the Kansas City Star.

The paper did not identify the intern, who was working at the Capitol in Jefferson City, and did not say how they obtained the messages in question, but the young woman herself came forward today, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.

"I want to thank everyone who has reached out to me during this difficult time. Your support means a lot," said Katie Graham, a student at Missouri State Southern University, per the Post-Dispatch. "This is extremely difficult for both families, and I hope everyone can begin the healing process. I strongly support the Missouri Capitol internship program, and hope it remains a positive experience for other students in the future."

In stepping down, Diehl, 49, said, "I have acknowledged making a serious error in judgment by sending the text messages. It was wrong and I am truly sorry. Too often we hear leaders say they're sorry but are unwilling to accept the consequences. I understand that, as a leader, I am responsible for my actions and I am willing to face the consequences.

"I appreciate those who have stood beside me and the overwhelming number of caucus members that have offered continued support; but for the good of my party, the caucus, and this state, I'm not going to further jeopardize what we have accomplished this year and what can be accomplished in the future. Therefore, I will be resigning the position of Speaker of the House and the office of State Representative in a way that allows for an orderly transition."

Diehl, a Republican who was elected to the House in 2008 and became Speaker in January, is married and a father of three.

U.S. Sen. Roy Blunt (R-Mo.) called Diehl "an effective leader with significant accomplishments for our state."

"He made a mistake, and has apologized," the congressman told the Post-Dispatch. "He made the right decision today."