Pelosi, Wasserman Schultz: Weiner must go

WASHINGTON, June 11 (UPI) -- U.S. Rep. Anthony Weiner Saturday sought treatment and a leave of absence from Congress after the top two Democratic congresswomen called for his resignation.

House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., and Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, D-Fla., who heads the Democratic National Committee, both said Saturday it was time for Weiner to give up, the Los Angeles Times reported. U.S. Rep. Steve Israel, D-N.Y., added his voice.

The calls came after Delaware police questioned a 17-year-old girl who had communicated with Weiner on Twitter. She says Weiner, who has admitted sending explicit pictures to several women, sent her nothing inappropriate.

"This sordid affair has become an unacceptable distraction for Representative Weiner, his family, his constituents and the House -- and for the good of all, he should step aside and address those things that should be most important -- his and his family's well-being," Wasserman Schultz said.

"Congressman Weiner departed this morning to seek professional treatment to focus on becoming a better husband and healthier person," his spokeswoman, Risa Heller, told The New York Times. "In light of that, he will request a short leave of absence from the House of Representatives so that he can get evaluated and map out a course of treatment to make himself well.

"Congressman Weiner takes the views of his colleagues very seriously and has determined that he needs this time to get healthy and make the best decision possible for himself, his family and his constituents."

Polls have suggested Weiner retains the support of his constituents. During a short walk to a dry cleaner with a media pack in tow, Weiner heard from several people yelling "Don't go" and similar sentiments.

Weiner's wife, Huma Abedin, a top aide to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, was revealed to be pregnant after the scandal broke. She is in Africa with Clinton.