PITTSBURGH -- State Rep. Sean Ramaley, the only sitting state legislator charged in the Harrisburg "bonusgate" scandal, is dropping out of the state Senate race.

Ramaley, a Beaver County Democrat, called a news conference Thursday afternoon at his lawyer's downtown office to say he's removing his name from the ballot -- even though he said the opposite when he was arrested earlier this month.

Ramaley read a prepared statement in which he proclaimed his innocence but said he thinks opponents will try to use the accusations to influence his race and others.

"There is too much at stake in this election for us, as a commonwealth and a nation," he said. "This election is critical, too critical for distractions and cheap shots."

Democratic party officials must nominate someone to take Ramaley's place against Republican nominee Elder Vogel Jr. in the upcoming election.

Ramaley is charged with six counts of theft, conspiracy and conflict of interest, accused of doing campaign work for his 2004 race while being paid as a part-time legislative assistant.

A grand jury brought the indictments against Ramaley and 11 other people with ties to the House Democratic caucus after an investigation by Attorney General Tom Corbett's office.

Defense attorney Philip Ignelzi thinks the charges against Ramaley are politically motivated.

He said Corbett, a Republican, may have brought the charges to help get a Republican elected in Ramaley's district.

"I think it's going to go a long way in assisting them in winning this seat. Absolutely," Ignelzi said.

All of the suspects are free on bond as they await a preliminary hearing on Oct. 7.

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