California Democrat Sen. Barbara Boxer directly called on embattled San Diego Mayor Bob Filner to resign on Friday.
Filner has been accused of sexual harassment by 14 women, many of whom were victims of sexual assault while serving in the military.
In an open letter to Filner, Boxer requested he “step down immediately.”
Addressing Filner as “Bob” multiple times in her missive, Boxer wrote that she was advising him both personally and professionally.
“We’ve known each other for a long time, and have worked together on many issues that are important to the people of San Diego — from creating jobs to protecting the environment to helping our veterans,” Boxer wrote. “So I am speaking to you now on a personal and professional level, and asking you to step down as mayor and get the help you need as a private citizen.”
Boxer explained that while she has commented publically that Filner should resign, she felt the need to address him directly.
“I must say this directly to you: Bob, you must resign because you have betrayed the trust of the women you have victimized, the San Diegans you represent and the people you have worked with throughout your decades in public life,” she wrote.
Going on to recall the work that she has done on behalf of women and men who have been sexually assaulted in the military, she wrote that the most recent revelations that Filner sexually harassed victims of military sexual assault, “have shaken me to my core.”
To date Filner has refused to step down, instead opting for two weeks of therapy — which began Monday.
According to Boxer, however, he still should step down.
“Bob, you have already hurt so many people. To avoid hurting your victims and the people of San Diego more than you already have, you should step down immediately,” Boxer concluded.