SC Dem Rep. Clyburn: Conyers Should Resign

Rep. James Clyburn, D-S.C., told reporters Thursday that Rep. John Conyers, D-Mich., ought to resign over allegations of sexual misconduct.

Clyburn, the third-ranking Democrat in the House and a longtime member of the Congressional Black Caucus that Conyers co-founded, told reporters from McClatchy and Politico "it would be in his best interest" if Conyers left office.

A former staffer to Conyers appeared on NBC's "Today" to detail the allegations she and other women have made against the congressman. After the interview aired, multiple Democratic leaders called on Conyers to step down, including House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi of California, Rep. Joseph Crowley of New York, and Priorities USA Chairman Guy Cecil.

Clyburn added Conyers "saved" Democrats and the CBC from forcing him out of the House Judiciary Committee, on which he was the ranking member.

"I am hopeful that he will do the same thing for his constituents because this is at the point where he needs to do for his constituents what he did for his colleagues," Clyburn said.

Conyers' lawyer told reporters in Detroit, where the congressman was admitted to a hospital for a stress-related illness, he has no plans to resign.

"Nancy Pelosi did not elect the congressman, and she sure as hell won't be the one to tell the congressman to leave," attorney Arnold Reed said, according to the New York Daily News. "That decision will be completely up to the congressman."

• Pelosi, Ryan Call on Conyers to Resign
• The 'Pence Rule' Looking More Prudent in Wake of Sex Scandals