Emerging from her first meeting with the Democratic caucus since calling for Rep. Anthony Weiner’s (D-NY) resignation, Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) told reporters that she used the gathering to explain her decision to cut him off.
“Because we have been on break this past weekend, Members have been in their districts. … I wanted to be sure that they knew why I came to the conclusion that with the love of his family, the confidence of his constituents, and the need for help, that Congressman Weiner should resign from the Congress,” Pelosi said. “I’m never prouder of my colleagues than in times of challenge like this, that our caucus understands our concern for the rights of the individual member but our higher responsibility to our country to uphold a high ethical standard in the Congress of the United States.”
Pelosi declined to take follow up questions, including on whether Weiner would be stripped of his committee assignments if he failed to resign. Earlier in the day, Speaker Boehner called on Weiner to step down as well.
Benjy Sarlin
Benjy Sarlin is a reporter for Talking Points Memo and co-writes the campaign blog, TPM2012. He previously reported for The Daily Beast/Newsweek as their Washington Correspondent and covered local politics for the New York Sun.
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