I think the answer to the "why now" question ISN'T to act pre-emptively on the sexual harrassment suit. I think it was orders from the top--Terry McAuliffe, the DNC, the DLC, and the Kerry campaign, to insure he stayed in office long enough to hang onto the governor's seat for the party through the November election.

That is the only reason why he would resign "effective November 15" because he isn't up for re-election this year. So it has to be a Democratic party interest, not his personal self-interest, that forced the resignation.

The Dems took a look at the potential for him being ousted on the corruption stuff, and said "get him out, but not until AFTER the presidential election".