Should Wu Step Down?

The story goes that pressure is mounting on Congressman David Wu to step down from office in the wake of allegations he had made inappropriate sexual advances toward the young daughter of a campaign contributor.

Wu says he will not identify the woman to save her from the media spotlight and to protect her family. Yet another stumble by the Congressman who has made one bad decision after another in this term representing the people of the 3rd district. Aides say Wu won't quit but it's unlikely he'll run again. Is that because the charges are true or because he is just very tired of constantly defending himself? Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi is calling for an investigation. Liberals and conservatives alike are calling for him to step down.

Brad Witt says Wu needs to step aside at this point so that the District can move forward and so that Wu can get the help he obviously needs. Witt has announced his candidacy for the seat and it would help his effort financially if Wu were to step down now. Witt might have a shot against the war chest of Brad Avakian if he could avoid taking on an incumbent who has already raised significant dollars for his re election bid. Wu walks away with that cash but his departure would help level the field and allow voters to focus on what comes next.

Politics aside (if that's possible) Wu has always made it a point to include this part of his district in the national discussion. He has visited Clatsop County frequently and been quite accessible to constituents here. While his focus has been in the arena of global technologies and his fondness for Asian issues, I think he has represented Oregon well in the past. It is a shame that his mind isn't allowing him to function as he did. He needs to recognize that fact and work for a transition that will make sense as best he can.