“Underpants photo” congressman to resign

Summary of story from The New York Times, link June 16, cost 2011

US congressman Anthony D. Weiner, an influential Democrat who had been tipped as the next mayor of New York City, says he will resign from his position, following mounting pressure from fellow Democrats.

Weiner confessed last week to ‘inappropriate’ exchanges with women online, including sending a photo of himself in tight-fitting underpants to a woman via twitter (WVoN story).

After initially saying he would not step down, Weiner now plans to resign,  colleagues say. The decision reportedly follows consultation with his wife, Huma Abedin, on her return from travelling with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.

President Barack Obama had publicly suggested Weiner should resign, and the House ethics committee has opened an inquiry into his conduct.