Embattled State Sen. Lou DeLuca, who admitted talking to an individual on the fringes of organized crime in an effort to intimidate his granddaughter's boyfriend, has resigned.

The resignation came hours before the Connecticut State Senate was expected to vote on a measure granting a Senate investigative committee subpoena powers in effort to secure an FBI audiotape of DeLuca and an undercover agent. With DeLuca's resignation, the investigative committee voted to end its inquiry.

So, a sad scandal that unfolded five months ago finally ends.

However, there are still so many unanswered questions. What was on the tapes that would apparently prompt DeLuca to resign? Why did he turn to organized crime instead of the multitude of officials he speaks to on a regular basis? What took the state Senate so long in setting up a committee of inquiry? Why wasn't the committee granted subpoena power or the ability to hire an independent counsel? What is the deal with Connecticut and corruption?

At least the people of Connecticut can take comfort that when the voters of the 32nd Senate district elect DeLuca's successor in a January special election, the candidates won't have to rely on campaign contributions bundled by organized crime. They can opt to the Citizens' Election Program, qualify for a $63,750 election grant and be beholden only to the people of Connecticut.