by Christine Kim
U.S. Rep. David Wu announced on Tuesday that he would resign after senior-ranking Democrats called for an investigation in the wake of allegations of sexual misconduct with a teenager.
“It has been the greatest privilege of my life to be a United States Congressman,” Wu said in a statement, according to the New York Times. “Rare is the nation in which an immigrant child can become a national political figure.”
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Wu allegedly initiated an unwanted sexual encounter towards a young California woman who is the daughter of a donor and high school friend.
The 56-year-old Congressman decided late Sunday that he would not pursue another term in office in 2012 but dismissed the alternative of resigning.
Amid pressure from high-ranking party leaders, Wu said Tuesday he would resign after the currently-debated debt-ceiling issues are resolved. An exact departure date has not been set.
On Monday, House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi called for the probe following The Oregonian’s reporting of the incident.
Wu had no comment aside from a terse statement.
“This is very serious, and I have absolutely no desire to bring unwanted publicity, attention, or stress to a young woman and her family,” said Wu.
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