Rep. David Wu suggests he may not finish term as ethics probe begins [View All]

Rep. David Wu suggests he may not finish term as ethics probe begins

WASHINGTON -- Facing a potentially damaging ethics investigation and evaporating support from allies, Rep. David Wu suggested to colleagues Monday that he may resign before his current term ends in 2012, even while insisting he did nothing "illegal."

Wu's potential shift came on a day when his hold on power became more tenuous. Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi formally called for an ethics investigation into allegations that Wu had an unwanted sexual encounter with a teenager in late November. And one of his closest friends in Congress suggested he should step down if it is in the best interest of Wu's family and future.

Wu announced late Sunday through an intermediary that he wanted to finish his term and retire, meaning he would remain a member of Congress until the end of 2012. That decision drew an immediate response from Pelosi, who formally asked Monday for a full-throated ethics investigation of the case.

Rep. John Larson, D-Conn., who was elected the same year as Wu and is a key leadership aide to Pelosi, spoke with Wu for 40 minutes just off the House floor on Monday.

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