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Ga. Democratic Party chairman steps down

ATLANTA — After a series of legal woes, Georgia Democratic Party chairman Mike Berlon has announced that he is stepping down.

On Wednesday afternoon, the Georgia Democratic Party sent out a news release announcing Berlon's departure.

"My goal is, and always has been, to unify Georgia Democrats. We have an important US Senate race in 2014 and our focus should be on winning that seat and others," Berlon said through a spokesperson.

Berlon said he will work with the party over the next several weeks to ensure a smooth transition.

"Mike has served Democrats in an unpaid capacity for many years. We appreciate his dedication and the countless hours of work on behalf our party," Senate Democratic Leader Steve Henson said. "Serving as chairman of our party is both a great honor and a great deal of work."

Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed called for Berlon to step down earlier on Wednesday.

The party said Berlon will be available to speak to the media next week.

Berlon, an attorney who became chair in 2011, has been dealing with several issues in recent weeks, including a reprimand by the State Bar of Georgia, a lawsuit filed by a client and the release of a report showing weak party finances ahead of the 2014 statewide and congressional elections.