Rep. Weiner Pleads With Supporters To Stay By His Side
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Congressman Anthony Weiner is fighting for his political future. Republicans have begun calling for his resignation and members of his own party were distancing themselves from the disgraced politician, Jay Dow reports.
As Rep. Weiner's sexting scandal deepens, there are growing calls this morning for him to step down, but he's digging in his heels.
"I am deeply regretting what I have done, and I am not resigning. I have made it clear that I accept responsibility for this, and people who draw conclusions about me are free to do so," he said.
Behind that firm stance, Weiner is quietly conducting an apology campaign, calling stunned supporters and begging them to stand by his side.
The married, 46-year-old Democrat lawmaker known for his outspoken demeanor, and lone wolf approach, now has few friends.
"I know Congressman Weiner. I wish there was some way I could defend him, but I can't," said Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid.
PHOTOS: Weiner Admits Sending Lewd Pictures (Warning: Some Graphic)
The House ethics probe could be devastating for Weiner. Sources familiar with the committee's process tell CBS 2 that members will likely try to determine whether Wiener used public resources during sexting with at least six women.
Those women, including 40-year-old Las Vegas blackjack dealer Lisa Weiss and Meagan Brussard, 26-year-old single mother from Texas, will likely be questioned, and the racy photos they exchanged closely examined.
A new poll shows about half, 51-percent of the 379 New York City registered voters who were questioned do not want Weiner to resign, but a majority, 56-percent say Weiner should not run to succeed Mayor Bloomberg.
"They will have an opportunity to express themselves in one year and four months from now," Bloomberg said.
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