Sen. Paul Stanley, R-Germantown, resigned on Tuesday in the wake of publicity about an affair with a 22-year-old intern.

Sen. Stanley sent a short letter of resignation to Lt. Gov. Ron Ramsey.

The affair became public after a Clarksville man allegedly tried to blackmail Sen. Stanley in regard to some nude photos and the senator began working with the TBI.

Here is his letter:

Dear Governor Ramsey:

It has been an honor to serve with you in the State Senate in the 105th and 106th General Assemblies. Due to recent events, I have decided to focus my full attention on my family and resign my Senate seat effective August 10, 2009.

Thank you for your service as our Speaker of the Senate and Lieutenant Governor.

Respectfully yours,
Paul Stanley
Senate District 31

The Tennessee Republican Party issued this statement:

"This was an unfortunate situation for all involved and hopefully something has been learned from this. Considering the circumstances, Paul determined the right thing for his family and his constituents was to resign and we support him in that decision."

Senators Jim Kyle of Memphis and Lowe Finney of Jackson, leader and chairman respectively of the Tennessee Senate Democratic Caucus, released the following statement:

"We have learned that Paul Stanley has tendered his resignation as the senator from the 31st District. We hope this puts an end to this terrible situation. We hate that it has happened to this family with young children, who continue to be in our prayers.

"The Tennessee State Senate is an honorable institution, and the people of this state must know that it is their struggles that are most important to us as public servants.

"We are sorry that the good work of the legislature has been overshadowed by this tragedy."

Sen. Stanley is married with two children, according to his Senate biography.

It lists him as an Evangelical Christian and as a member of the administrative board of Christ United Methodist Church.

Service in Public Office
Senate member of the 105th and 106th General Assemblies
House member of the 102nd through 105th General Assemblies
Member, Senate Commerce, Labor and Agriculture Committee
Member, Senate Government Operations Committee
Member, Senate Judiciary Committee
Member, Joint Fiscal Review Committee
Republican State Executive Committee 1998-2001
Young Republican National Federation Vice-Chairman 1997-1999
Tennessee Young Republican Federation State Chairman 1995-1997
Shelby County Republican Party Vice-Chair of Finance 1995