The House Democratic leadership went public today with their unequivocal desire for Rep. Anthony Weiner (D-NY) to resign his office as a result of a scandal involving sexual conversations and explicit photos sent over the Internet. Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), DNC Chair and Florida Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz, and DCCC Chair and fellow New York Congressman Steve Israel simultaneously released statements calling on Weiner to resign.
Pelosi and Israel had both previously called for an Ethics Committee investigation.
This new move comes in the wake of Weiner’s refusal to resign, after multiple Democratic representatives had called for his resignation, with Weiner having been buoyed by polling data showing that his constituents back home did not think he should resign.
These statements also come on the heels of reports which emerged Friday night about a teenaged girl in Delaware who was questioned by police over a past online exchange with Weiner. There is as yet no evidence that the communications were of a sexual nature. The girl’s lawyer has said there were no inappropriate conversations, and Weiner’s office has also denied that any sexual discussions took place.
Pelosi’s statement:
“Congressman Weiner has the love of his family, the confidence of his constituents, and the recognition that he needs help. I urge Congressman Weiner to seek that help without the pressures of being a Member of Congress.”
Wasserman Schultz:
“It is with great disappointment that I call on Representative Anthony Weiner to resign. The behavior he has exhibited is indefensible and Representative Weiner’s continued service in Congress is untenable. This sordid affair has become an unacceptable distraction for Representative Weiner, his family, his constituents and the House - and for the good of all, he should step aside and address those things that should be most important - his and his family’s well-being.”
And Israel:
“Anthony’s inappropriate behavior has become an insurmountable distraction to the House and our work for the American people. With a heavy heart, I call on Anthony to resign.
“I pray for his family and hope that Anthony will take time to get the help he needs without the distractions and added pressures of Washington, DC.”
Eric Kleefeld
Eric Kleefeld joined TPM as an intern for the final months of the 2006 midterm elections, and then kept showing up for work. His other interests include guitars, old comic books and the politics of various English-speaking countries.
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