Oklahoma governor calls on senator to step down

Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin has joined a chorus of state officials who are calling for the resignation of a state senator who faces child prostitution charges involving a 17-year-old boy.

Fallin on Thursday urged Republican Sen. Ralph Shortey of Oklahoma City to step down after he was charged with engaging in child prostitution, transporting a minor for prostitution and engaging in prostitution within 1,000 feet of a church.

Shortey was booked into the Cleveland County Detention Center and released on bond. He declined to comment to reporters at the jail but said he would release a statement later.

Fallin says the charges don't reflect the character and decorum expected from an elected state official in Oklahoma. Lt. Gov. Todd Lamb and leaders of the state Senate previously called for Shortey's resignation.

Read more: http://www.sfgate.com/news/politics/article/Latest-Oklahoma-lawmaker-facing-child-11006521.php