The Democrats' full court press on Weiner
Saturday's full court press by top Congressional Democrats may mark the beginning of the end for embattled Representative Anthony Weiner following his cover-up and then admission of having sent inappropriate photos to women over the Internet.
In rapid succession, the head of the Democratic National Committee, Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz; House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi; and the head of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee Rep. Steve Israel each issued statements calling for Weiner to step down.
"Indefensible" is how Wasserman Schultz described Weiner's behavior.
"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," the Florida Democrat wrote in a statement.
Pelosi said that Weiner has recognized that he needs to seek treatment.
"I urge Congressman Weiner to seek that help without the pressures of being a Member of Congress," she wrote.
And New York Democrat Israel, who's in charge of the party's House campaigns, rounded out the chorus: "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."
The coordinated effort came after Weiner decided to seek treatment for his actions, according to a senior Democratic aide.
The three leaders who sent out statements today had been speaking to Weiner all week, and decided to take action today, as the issue would be front-and-center on tomorrow's Sunday talk shows and when the House reconvenes Monday after being off this week.
