David Wu announces resignation amid sex scandal

Democratic Rep. David Wu, facing eroding support from his party, plans to resign following allegations that he had a forced sexual encounter with a young woman last year.

The Oregon congressman said Tuesday that he would step down pending "resolution" of the debt-ceiling crisis. The announcement comes after he initially told colleagues he wanted to stay in office until the end of his term in early 2013.

"The time has come to hand on the privilege of high office," Wu said in a statement. "I cannot care for my family the way I wish while serving in Congress and fighting these very serious allegations."

Wu cited the "wellbeing of my children" in announcing his decision. He also said his resignation would "avoid any distraction from the important work at hand in Washington."

Though Wu initially tried to remain in office, House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi applied pressure to Wu Monday by formally requesting an ethics committee investigation into his actions.

Wu said that his resignation would be effective upon the resolution of the debt ceiling crisis.

"This is the right decision for my family, the institution of the House, and my colleagues," he said. "It is also the only correct decision to avoid any distraction from the important work at hand in Washington."

National Democratic leaders had stopped short of calling for Wu's resignation, but House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi yesterday asked the House Ethics committee to investigate the allegations against the seven-term congressman.

Last week's allegation against Wu is the latest in a series of charges that the congressman has engaged in questionable behavior. Earlier this year, Wu acknowledged that he sent erratic emails to his staffers, including a picture of himself around Halloween in a tiger costume. Several of his staff members resigned following his re-election in November, and Oregon newspapers reported that his campaign staffers had pleaded with Wu to seek psychiatric help the week before the 2010 election. Wu said in February he has sought mental health treatment, including counseling and medication.