Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi formally asked the House Ethics Committee to investigate Oregon Democrat Rep. David Wu, who is now accused of having an “unwanted sexual encounter” with the daughter of a campaign donor.
In a letter Monday, Pelosi wrote that “Recent press reports and statements attributed to our colleague, Representative David Wu, indicate that he may have engaged in inappropriate activities.” (RELATED: Tiger-costumed David Wu — he’s baaaaack)
“An investigation by the Ethics Committee to determine if the Rules of the House of Representatives have been violated is warranted,” she wrote to Alabama Republican Rep. Jo Bonner, who chairs the committee, and California Democratic Rep. Linda Sanchez, the committee’s ranking member.
The Oregonian reported the sexual allegations Friday. The paper didn’t disclose the accuser’s age, but said Facebook shows that she graduated from high school in 2010.
The paper in 2004 reported that Wu, a seven-term congressman, was accused, while in college at Stanford in 1976, of trying to force an ex-girlfriend to have sex with him.
Wu reportedly decided this weekend not to run for re-election, though he is refusing to resign.
Wu in February faced calls to step down after he sent staffers a picture of himself wearing a tiger costume. The photo led to questions about his mental health.
Watch Rep. Wu accused of unwanted sexual encounter: