U.S. Rep. John Conyers
U.S. Rep. John Conyers
Congressman John Conyers feels pressure to resign.
Joining in the movement are Congressional Black Caucus members who are in talks to get the Democrat to resign amid sexual misconduct allegations, several Democratic sources tell CNN Tuesday.
Conyers, in office since 1965, is considered "dean" of the caucus -- which has 47 voting members, including two senators. All are Democrats except a Utah congresswoman. Rep. Brenda Lawrence of Southfield is among members.
A New York Times reporter, Sheryl Gay Stolberg, tweets that House Speaker "Nancy Pelosi is working quietly with CBC members to persuade John Conyers to resign."
They're reportedly trying to ease his exit without trampling on a legacy of 52 years in the House.
The latest news comes as a second woman has come forward, alleging that Conyers acted inappropriately.
Deanna Maher, Conyers’ former deputy chief of staff who ran his downriver office from 1997 to 2005, tells George Hunter of The Detroit News that the Detroit Democrat made unwanted advances three times, including inappropriate touches.
The first allegations surfaced last week when BuzzFeed reported that a former staffer got $27,111 by Conyers' office after she alleged she was fired after rebuffing his sexual advances.
The 88-year-old congressman, in office since 1965, stepped down Sunday as the top Democrat on the House Judiciary Committee while a congressional ethics probe looks into accounts from past staffers.
A leading Washington journalist, Cokie Roberts, said Sunday on ABC's "This Week" program that female reporters avoided being in an elevator with Conyers because of his reputation with women.
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