Accused sexual harrasser Conyers quits as top Dem on Judiciary Committe

Downtown Detroit

We have some good news this afternoon--albeit it is only a first step of what is needed. And that's a resignation from the House by Conyers.

From the Detroit News:

U.S. Rep. John Conyers said Sunday he will step down as the top Democrat on the House Judiciary Committee during a congressional ethics probe of sexual harassment allegations against him and a settlement with a former staffer.

"After careful consideration and in light of the attention drawn by recent allegations made against me, I have notified the Democratic Leader of my request to step aside as Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Committee during the investigation of these matters," Conyers, D-Detroit, said in a statement issued by his office

Accusations against Conyers first surfaced Nov. 20 when Buzzfeed News reported on a 2015 settlement he reached with a former staffer. On Tuesday, the site reported on a sexual harassment lawsuit a former staffer withdrew after a federal judge refused her request to seal the records to protect the congressman’s public reputation.

Conyers has also been accused of holding a meeting wearing nothing but his underwear.

Earlier today on Meet The Press, the increasing irrelevant House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) called Conyers "an icon."