Harry S. Truman once said, “If you want a friend in Washington, get a dog.” It’s advice that Democratic New York Rep. Anthony Weiner might do well to heed, as he’s rapidly running out of friends on Capitol Hill.
Democrats have spared no time in distancing themselves from Weiner. House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi has already called for an ethics investigation into Weiner’s actions, and many more have called for his resignation.
Rep. Allyson Schwartz, the head of candidate and member services at the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, is the latest.
“Having the respect of your constituents is fundamental for a member of Congress. In light of Anthony Weiner’s offensive behavior online, he should resign,” she said.
Sen. Mark Pryor of Arkansas also joined in.
“Ultimately that’s up to him, and his constituents and his family but I think at this point it would probably be a good thing if he would go ahead and resign,” Pryor said in an interview with a Little Rock radio station.
And earlier today, Maine Rep. Mike Michaud said it would be best for Weiner’s family if he resigned.
(Republicans eying Weiner’s seat in wake of scandal)
“When you look at the situation, the more information that’s coming out, I think quite frankly it’s better for him and his family if he did resign,” Michaud said.
Virginia Senate candidate Tim Kaine, a former Democratic National Committee chairman, also jumped into the mix.
“Lying is unforgivable,” Kaine, said. “Lying publicly about something like this is unforgivable and he should resign.”
Weiner’s money isn’t even good anymore. Reps. Betty Sutton of Ohio and Tim Walz of Minnesota have given back campaign contributions they received from Weiner. However, neither has said he should resign.
Even those not calling for his resignation haven’t hesitated to verbally dress the congressman down. Weiner’s fellow New York Representative, Nydia M. Velázquez, reportedly scolded him, saying: “How can you explain that somebody can be so smart but so stupid?”
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid offered no support for Weiner Tuesday. “Call someone else” would be his advice to the congressman, Reid said. “I wish there was some way I can defend him but I can’t.”
And the New York Times reports that some Democrats are already recruiting potential candidates to run for Weiner’s seat.
White House Press Secretary Jay Carney declined to comment on President Obama’s view of Weiner’s actions. The L.A. Times quoted Carney as saying that he had “no comment on that story.”
According to The Hill, Carney’s comment was the first that a White House aide has said since Monday when Weiner admitted to tweeting a lewd picture to a college student.
Anyone have a puppy that needs a good home?