Avakian and Witt call on Wu to resign

Kari Chisholm

On Saturday, Brad Avakian and Brad Witt separately reacted to the latest allegations surrounding David Wu.

According to the Associated Press:

"I'm saddened to hear this news. David owes the citizens he represents a detailed explanation," said State Rep. Brad Witt, who is running against Wu in the Democratic primary next spring. "If this accusation proves to be true, it's time for David Wu to resign and get the help he needs."

Another challenger of Wu in the Democratic primary, state Labor Commissioner Brad Avakian, said Saturday Wu should resign immediately.

"I think any 56-year-old man, especially a 56-year-old Congressman, that asserts himself like this on an 18-year-old girl, has got no business serving in Congress," Avakian said at a news conference. "There is nothing that can be explained that makes this situation right. He's got to resign."

The Oregonian's Beth Slovic reported a further comment from Avakian:

"What I think is important right now is that David Wu be accountable for his conduct," said Avakian, a former state lawmaker representing Washington County. "It is a serious incident and one in a long line of serious incidents."

The AP also notes that former Secretary of State Bill Bradbury believes Wu should resign:

"Obviously I think the right decision would be to resign," Bradbury told the AP. "I felt that way (after previous reports of erratic behavior) and I feel that even more strongly now."

Also on Saturday, Wu spoke with House Democrats' leader, Rep. Nancy Pelosi. The Washington Post tracked down Nancy Pelosi and got a "no comment" regarding David Wu.

Politico reports that "other senior House Democrats have contacted the lawmaker as well." The Oregonian adds a bit of detail:

[A] source with knowledge of the day's conversations said a second party leader called Wu and urged him to resign.

In all, at least three senior party leaders in Washington spoke to Wu Saturday. Wu spent the day in Washington contemplating his future and had not come to a decision, several sources said.

That same Oregonian story cites a number of Oregon legislators from the First District:

• Rep. Mary Nolan (D-Portland): "These are serious allegations. He has said that himself. I can't judge their veracity, but if they're true, then he shouldn't be serving in Congress."

• Rep. Mitch Greenlick (D-Portland): "He might as well save himself the trouble and resign. He's dead meat."

• Rep. Jeff Barker (D-Aloha): "I think he has too many personal problems in his life right now. Congress isn't the right place for him right now. He needs to be some place else."

• Sen. Bruce Starr (R-Hillsboro): "The guy needs to resign. He clearly cannot be effective as a legislator."

OPB's April Baer reports that the Washington County Dems "will consider a vote of no-confidence in Congressman David Wu when its members meet this week."

By Kari Chisholm July 23, 2011