Top Dems Want Weiner to Resign

(Newsroom America) -- Democrats are increasingly urging Rep. Anthony Weiner to resign following revelations he sent lewd Twitter posts and communicated online with a 17-year-old girl.

Those calling for Weiner to step down include some of the party's biggest names. House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi of California, Democratic National Committee Chairwoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz of Florida and Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee Chairman Steve Israel of New York - Weiner's home state - have all said they'd like to see him resign.

Weiner admitted in a press conference Monday he sent lewd texts and other inappropriate messages to at least six women online over three years. Fox News reported Friday that Wilmington-area police visited with a Delaware teenager to discuss his messaging to her.

Both Weiner and the girl's family have said there was no indecent back-and-forth but the fact that he was carrying on with a minor was too much for Democratic Party leaders, Politico.com reported.

Pelosi and Israel issued their statements calling for Weiner to resign only after asking him to do so privately, the political wire reported. When he refused, they took their plea public.

"They both called him this morning and said ‘you should resign,’ and he didn’t and they issued their statements," a source familiar with those conversations told Politico, adding that the White House was also involved.

"Congressman Weiner has the love of his family, the confidence of his constituents, and the recognition that he needs help," Pelosi said, in part noting that Weiner is reportedly seeking treatment. "I urge Congressman Weiner to seek that help without the pressures of being a Member of Congress."

Israel and Wasserman Schulz weren't as congenial.

Wasserman Schultz said "the behavior he has exhibited is indefensible and Representative Weiner’s continued service in Congress is untenable."

Israel added: "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."

Reports later Saturday said Weiner requested a leave of absence from the House but did not say he would resign.

© 2011 Newsroom America.

Contact Jon E. Dougherty