Weiner Says He Won't Step Down Amid Scandal

By Jon E. Dougherty at 8 Jun 2011

(Newsroom America) -- New York Congressman Anthony Weiner said Wednesday he won't resign from office after admitting earlier this week he tweeted lewd photos of himself to women then lied about it.

ABC News said Weiner is finding little support for his position, even among members of his own party, most of which have not stepped up to publicly defend him.

"Lying is unforgivable. Lying publicly about something like this is unforgivable and he should resign," former DNC Shairman Tim Kaine, D-Va., said in an interview with CBS on Tuesday.

Republicans have called for Weiner to resign immediately, but so far, House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi of California has only called for an ethics committee investigation.

For his part, however, Weiner says he'll remain in his position.

"I am not resigning," he told reporters in the New York City borough of Queens Tuesday evening.

"Congressman Weiner's actions and deception are unacceptable and he should resign. We do not need an investigation to know he lied and acted inappropriately, we need a resignation," Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Priebus, the first party official to call for Weiner's resignation, said Monday following the congressman's apology press conference.

"Congressman Weiner's actions and deception are unacceptable and he should resign. We do not need an investigation to know he lied and acted inappropriately, we need a resignation," he said.

"Either Leader Pelosi and DNC Chair Wasserman Schultz believe members of Congress are held to a different set of standards or they believe these actions demand his resignation."

Democratic members of Congress are not lining up to defend Weiner.

"I know Congressman Weiner. And I wish there was some way I could defend him -- but I can't," said Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., according to ABC News. He added if Weiner called him for advice he would tell him to "call somebody else."

Despite Weiner's behavior, it isn't clear if he has broken House ethics rules.

Contact Jon E. Dougherty