House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) formally requested that the Ethics Committee investigate fellow Democrat Anthony Weiner yesterday in the wake of his cringe-worthy confession.
And he’s likely in for a rough ride.
Weiner engaged in several lurid chats on days the House was in session, according to transcripts released yesterday. Investigators will also check whether he used government computers, telephones, BlackBerry devices or WiFi connections.
House rules clearly state that members “shall behave at all times in a manner that shall reflect creditably on the House.”
In an e-mail to porn star Ginger Lee this week, Weiner suggested getting her p.r. help from his “team.”
Using his public-relations staff to facilitate a coverup would be a clear violation, experts said.
“If you’re now having your press secretary step in, if you’re having staff help conduct your personal relationships with outside women, you would now be misusing your official resources,” said Melanie Sloan, executive director of Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington.
After the ethics panel completes its preliminary finding, a subcommittee of two Republicans and two Democrats will be empaneled to oversee the investigation.
“Weiner will have to reveal to the ethics committee the names of the others with whom he’s exchanged sex-text images,” said a former House prober.
If the subcommittee finds Weiner has violated House rules, it will present its findings and recommendations for punishment to the full committee and later the full House.
He’d likely face a reprimand, the least severe sanction, as he faces no allegations of making a profit from his transgressions.