Spokane's mayor denies wrongdoing

NEW YORK, May 31 (UPI) -- Spokane, Wash., Mayor Jim West appeared Tuesday on NBC's "The Today Show," maintaining he's done nothing illegal despite allegations made against him.

West declared: "I haven't misused my office for personal gain. I haven't done anything illegal. I welcome these (city and federal) investigations because I believe they will clear me."

West has been under pressure to resign after an investigation by The Spokane Spokesman-Review found he had initiated sexual relationships with teens via the Web site Gay.com. The newspaper also reported accusations by two men who claim West molested them during the 1970s. West denies those allegations.

The mayor told "Today" he has received numerous messages of support from the public.

"My mail and e-mail have been running two-to-one in favor of me not resigning," he said. "You shouldn't be run out for just simple allegations."

When asked about his record of voting against gay rights legislation, West said he set his personal life aside and voted to represent the will of his constituents, the Spokesman-Review reported.