Chorus growing for Wiener resignation

KRQE TV

Updated: Apr 28, 2012 3:36 PM

ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) — Two of the state's top Republicans are calling for the resignation of Bernalillo County Commissioner Michael Wiener--a fellow Republican--in the wake of photos taken of him in a red light district in the Philippines.

Wiener has come under fire before for sexist and racist jokes at work but has always refused to step down.

A Seattle-based photographer documenting the sex trade in the Philippines snapped pictures of Wiener with young women in front of a brothel.

Weiner, 57, insists he was just sightseeing during a flight layover and that he was with his Filipina fiancee.

Gov. Susana Martinez on Friday said she was deeply troubled by Wiener's behavior and added she is endorsing his primary election opponent, Lonnie Talbert.

On Saturday Albuquerque Mayor Richard J. Berry cited a "long pattern of inappropriate behavior" in saying Wiener should resign for the good of the community, mayoral spokesperson Dayna Gardner said.

And on Friday night he told KRQE News 13 he's not going anywhere this time.

"There are many people out there who would like her--meaning the governor--to resign," Wiener said in a statement sent to News 13.  "I'm not one of them.  She has job to do, and so do I."

(Read Wiener's complete statement here>> )

He also claimed the governor was backing Talbert in the primary even before the picture blowup and added he'll let the voters decide who should hold the office.

Copyright 2013 KRQE TV. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Political Pulse

We welcome your thoughtful comments. Be the first to participate in the discussion. All comments will display your username and avatar.