Weiner Refusing to Step Down

(Newsroom America) -- Despite calls from top Democrats, including House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, Congressman Anthony Weiner is refusing to step down following his sexting scandal, choosing instead to take a temporary leave of absence to seek treatment.

Pelosi was joined by the House's No. 2 Democrat, Rep. Steny Hoyer of Maryland, in calling on Weiner to resign, saying his "bizarre and unacceptable behavior" in sending lewd photos of himself to women in text messages makes it "extremely difficult" for him to continue serving his New York constituency.

Weiner has acknowledged sending the messages, most of which were sexually explicit or suggestive in nature, to several women online. The Web site TMZ.com published several new photos Sunday, some showing Weiner in only a towel holding his crotch. The site said the photos were taken in the House gym or its locker room.

On Saturday Weiner said he was seeking professional help at an undisclosed location. He made that announcement shortly after Pelosi and national party leader Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz called on him to step down.

Republicans have also called on Weiner to resign.

"We've got important work to do and this is a ridiculous distraction," Rep. Paul Ryan, R-Wis., said during an appearance with Hoyer on CBS' "Face the Nation" Sunday.

Hoyer said an ethics committee inquiry would take time, but added, "I really don't know if we have that time." He said he didn't see how Weiner could remain in office.

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Contact Jon E. Dougherty