US Representative Anthony Weiner defied calls on Saturday from Democratic Party leaders to resign and said he would instead seek treatment and a leave of absence after being snared in an Internet sex scandal.
The 46-year-old congressman from New York announced his plans shortly after US House of Representatives Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi publicly urged him to go for help, but also to step down.
Weiner’s determination to remain, bolstered by support from his New York City constituents, has angered Democrats. They say his inappropriate online exchanges with women have hurt the party as it seeks to regain control of the House from Republicans in next year’s elections.
GOING NOWHERE
In a brief statement, the congressman’s spokeswoman Risa Heller indicated Weiner would remain in office at least until he receives professional help at an undisclosed facility.
“Congressman Weiner departed this morning to seek professional treatment to focus on becoming a better husband and healthier person,” Heller said. “In light of that, he will request a short leave of absence from the House of Representatives so that he can get evaluated and map out a course of treatment to make himself well.”
“Congressman Weiner ... has determined that he needs this time to get healthy and make the best decision possible for himself, his family and his constituents,” Heller added.
Earlier on Saturday, Pelosi and other House Democrats called on Weiner to step down, frustrated by his refusal to step aside after admitting last Monday to inappropriate Internet relations with at least six women.
CALLS TO STEP DOWN
Democrats appeared to coordinate their statements to add pressure on the seven-term lawmaker to resign for his Internet exchanges with women, which included lewd pictures of himself, and then lying about it.
“Congressman Weiner has the love of his family, the confidence of his constituents and the recognition that he needs help,” Pelosi said in a statement. “I urge Congressman Weiner to seek that help without the pressures of being a Member of Congress.”
Pelosi issued her statement after she was made aware of Weiner’s “intention to take a leave of absence in order to seek treatment,” an aide said.
Weiner, a liberal re-elected in November last year with 61 percent of the vote, said his behavior was wrong, but that he violated no laws.
Generally, all it takes to get a leave of absence, as Weiner plans to do, is to formally advise the House speaker.
“You ask for it, you get it,” an aide said.
Weiner’s political mentor, US Senator Charles Schumer, said: “For those of us who are longtime friends of Anthony Weiner his wrongful behavior is distressing and saddening. It’s clear he needs professional help and I am glad he is seeking it.”
Pelosi has requested an ethics investigation to determine what, if any, House rules Weiner may have broke in his Internet exchanges. Such a probe could take months, even up to a year.
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