Careful to explain to those that care, Michigan Democrat Congressman John Conyers says he will "retire" from Congress today, and is "not resigning," following a growing list of sexual misconduct allegations. Conyers is endorsing his son, John Conyers III, to replace him in Congress.
“He is not resigning. He is going to retire,” Ian Conyers told the newspaper. “His doctor advised him that the rigor of another campaign would be too much for him just in terms of his health.”
Conyers, 88, is the longest serving House member and was one of the founding members of the Congressional Black Caucus.
House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) and Speaker Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) have both said Conyers should step aside in light of the sexual misconduct allegations leveled against him. Rep. James Clyburn (D-S.C.), the assistant Democratic leader who is also a member of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) with Conyers, has also said the Michigan lawmaker should resign.
As a reminder, House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi had encouraged the House Ethics Cmte to "proceed expeditiously" as it investigates accusations against Conyers.
The review began after reports Conyers reached a $27k settlement with a former aide who said she was fired for rejecting his sexual advances; since then, Conyers has been accused of harassment by other women.
Conyers has acknowledged the settlement but denied sexual harassment claims.
Conyers concluded:
“My legacy will continue through my children."
We are not so sure about that Mr. Conyers, we suspect your families legacy will be tarnished with your alleged actions.
As The Hill reports, Ian Conyers, who also serves as a Michigan state senator, also told the Times that he plans to run for John Conyers's seat in Michigan's 13th Congressional District.
“I’m absolutely going to file for his seat. The work of our congressional district, where I come out of, has to continue,” Ian Conyers said.
“We have got to have someone who has depth and experience but also historical understanding of what it takes to fight this type of evil in Washington.”
In the interview, the state senator refused to defend the alleged actions of his great uncle.
“I stand with my uncle in terms of his belief of no specific wrongdoing,” Ian Conyers told the newspaper. “However, those things need to have their day in court.”