Under pressure from the governor, two Democratic assemblyman facing bribery charges resigned Monday.

Mims Hackett, Jr. and Alfred Steele were among 11 political officials arrested last week in an undercover probe of bribery and the awarding of public contracts.

Now, as the officials face extortion charges, Republicans are calling for a special session on ethics reform. Gov. Jon Corzine has said that he wants to wait until after November?s elections so lawmakers can devote more energy to ethics reform. However, some Republicans say it is best to hold the sessions now.

Some Democrats feel there has been serious progress made in the past four years toward ethics reform. They point to a new law calling for mandatory jail time and pension forfeiture for public officials convicted of corruption. There has also been more restrictions placed on pay-to-play and limits on gifts and travel.

Republicans feel more needs to be done. They are also calling for Sen. Wayne Bryant and Sen. Sharpe James to resign as well. Both senators are facing corruption charges. They do not plan on running for re-election, but Republicans feel they should leave office now.

For an interview with Tom Wilson from the Republican committee, go to channel 612 on your iO digital cable box and select iO Extra.

Related Information:Bryant back on the street after posting bail Ex-Newark mayor pleads not guilty to corruption 1 GOP member among 11 arrested in bribery probe More New Jersey politicians in trouble with the law