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Dems begin to call for resignation

At the same time, Weiner's own words suggested there may be other, more troubling revelations ahead.

At a news conference on Monday, he did not deny that there might be an x-rated photo of himself in existence or that he had engaged in phone sex. He also admitted he could not be sure none of the women with whom he flirted was underage.

Weiner has not issued any public statements in two days.

The 46-year-old lawmaker initially resorted to denials last week when asked about a lewd photo of himself that was sent to a woman via Twitter. He recanted at an extraordinary news conference on Monday during which he apologized for his actions but said he was not resigning.

He has come under increasing pressure from fellow Democrats, who have talked openly of eliminating his congressional seat when it comes time to redistrict before the 2012 election, or perhaps fielding a primary opponent to challenge him.

Weiner has adamantly denied ever meeting any of the women and has said he never had a physical relationship with any of them.

If so, that would make his case a sexless sex scandal but one that illustrates the ability of social media sites to spread controversy almost instantaneously across the country.

Weiner's predicament has roiled the Democratic Party, particularly the women who hold leadership posts and have faced a choice between calling for a resignation or hoping that refraining from doing so would lead him to quit without being told.

In the interim, few pass up the chance to signal to Weiner that he should step down.

The head of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, Sen. Patty Murray, told reporters during the day that Weiner's troubles "of course" complicate the party's efforts ahead of in the 2012 elections.

http://www.startribune.com/nation/123448454.html?page=2&c=y

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