House Minority Whip Steny Hoyer (D., Md.) joined Democratic leaders in calling for Rep. Anthony Weiner’s (D., N.Y.) resignation Sunday on CBS’s Face the Nation. “This is bizarre, unacceptable behavior,” he told host Bob Schieffer. “It seems to me extraordinarily difficult that he can proceed to represent his constituents in an effective way given the circumstances.”
This comes after some new photos emerged of Weiner — in various states of clothedness — that the congressman appears to have taken of himself in the House members’ workout facility. Go here to view (nothing X-rated).
House Budget Committee chairman Paul Ryan (R., Wis.), appearing alongside Hoyer, concurred. “This is getting beyond ridiculous. I feel so sorry for Huma [Weiner’s wife] and her family most of all,” Ryan said. “Yes he should resign. I don’t take pleasure in saying that. He’s got important work to do and this is just a ridiculous distraction.”
Both conceded that the formal processes by which Weiner could be removed — via Ethics Committee investigation, etc. — would be less desirable than resignation because they tend to take up a lot of time and resources. “I really don’t know that we have that time,” Hoyer said. “I would hope that Mr. Weiner would use this opportunity to reflect on whether or not he can effectively proceed. I don’t see how he can and I hope he would make that judgment.”
Video here.