Clyburn calls for Conyers to resign

Rep. James Clyburn (D-S.C.) on Thursday called on Rep. John Conyers Jr. (D-Mich.) to resign in the wake of sexual misconduct allegations made against him, The Hill has confirmed.

Clyburn’s call for Conyers’s resignation comes after House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) said Thursday morning that Conyers should resign. Clyburn, the assistant Democratic leader, and Conyers are both members of the Congressional Black Caucus.

{mosads}Conyers stepped down from his post as ranking member of the House Judiciary Committee earlier this week after acknowledging that in 2015 he settled a wrongful dismissal complaint. The congressman, however, denied the sexual misconduct allegations against him.

After the original revelation, a second accuser came forward accusing Conyers of sexual misconduct from her time working in a state office.

A lawyer for Conyers cast doubt on the allegations in remarks to The Detroit News.

Earlier this week, a reporter pointed out to Clyburn and Congressional Black Caucus Chairman Cedric Richmond (D-La.) that men in powerful positions in other industries have stepped down from their positions or have been fired after being accused of sexual misconduct.

“Who elected them?” Clyburn said after reporters provided him and Richmond with the names of men in Hollywood and media who have been fired or lost their positions after sexual misconduct allegations.

– This report was updated at 1:04 p.m.