Nancy Pelosi, Other Top Democrats Call for Anthony Weiner's Resignation (Update)
Though she's heretofore stopped short of calling for Anthony Weiner to resign, Democratic minority leader Nancy Pelosi is changing her tune in light of allegations that Weiner corresponded with a teenage girl online. She and other top Democrats -- Democratic National Committee Chairwoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-Fla.) and Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee Chairman Steve Israel (D-N.Y.) -- all released statements within minutes of each other today saying Weiner should quit. 
Pelosi: "Congressman Weiner has the love of his family, the confidence of his constituents, and the recognition that he needs help. I urge Congressman Weiner to seek that help without the pressures of being a Member of Congress." That's a kind way of putting it. Israel and Wasserman Schultz were less kind.
Israel: "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."
Wasserman Schultz: "The behavior he has exhibited is indefensible and Representative Weiner's continued service in Congress is untenable." She also called the scandal a "sordid affair."
As Democratic top brass pressure him to resign, it's hard to see how Weiner will be able to justify holding on to his seat. Then again, his constituents want him to stay. At any rate, if it's going to happen -- and it looks increasingly likely that it will -- a resignation will be coming soon.
UPDATE 3:02 p.m.: It looks as if Weiner is checking himself into a treatment center, according to two Democratic officials the Times spoke with. He's also taking a leave of absence.
[rgray@villagevoice.com] [@_rosiegray]
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