The firestorm over sexual misconduct claimed the career of the Dean of the U.S. House on Tuesday, as Rep. John Conyers (D-MI), currently the longest-serving member in the House, announced that he would resign from his office, as he immediately endorsed his son, John Conyers III to replace him in the U.S. House.
“I am retiring today,” Conyers said on the Mildred Gattis radio show in Detroit.
Speaking by telephone from a hospital in the Detroit area where he is being treated for a stress-related condition, Conyers said little about the allegations against him.
“I want everyone to know how much I appreciate the support,” Conyers said. “I’m in the process of putting my retirement plans together, and I will have more about that very soon.”
.@RepJohnConyers’ official letter of resignation sent to House leadership, effective today pic.twitter.com/BdyOOyDfWF
— Melissa Nann Burke (@nannburke) December 5, 2017
Michigan Rep. John Conyers says his “legacy can’t be compromised” by sexual harassment allegations made against him and endorses his son John to replace him in Congress https://t.co/1cjp9Wx7RK
— CNN Politics (@CNNPolitics) December 5, 2017
There could be somewhat of a family feud in the race to replace Conyers – while he endorsed his son, a grand-nephew of Conyers has also said he will run for the same seat.
Rep. John Conyers endorses his son to succeed him—House seats are hereditary peerages nowadays. But wait! Young Conyers will be opposed by a state senator named...Conyers, grandson of Rep. Conyers’ brother. Family Feud! Democracy at work in 2017.
— Larry Sabato (@LarrySabato) December 5, 2017
The departure of Conyers would also mean that there is a new person who is the longest-serving House member – that would now be Rep. Don Young (R-AK), a cantankerous GOP veteran who was first elected in 1973.
Meet the new dean of the House, Rep. Don Young (R-AK):
— Cristina Marcos (@cimarcos) December 5, 2017
-Apologized to Rep. Jayapal this year for calling her a "young lady" who "doesn't know a damn thing"
-Used the slur "wetbacks" in a 2013 interview
-Reportedly once held a knife to Boehner's throat
Ladies and gentlemen, make way for your new dean of the United States House of Representatives pic.twitter.com/oheZEv1nKa
— TJ Tatum (@TJTatum) December 5, 2017
As Conyers announced that he would leave the Congress, there were still questions about another Democrat, Rep. Ruben Kihuen (D-NV), who has faced allegations of unwanted sexual advances during his 2016 campaign for the U.S. House.
More pressure on @RepKihuen? https://t.co/teLdfHTalh
— Jon Ralston (@RalstonReports) December 5, 2017
So far, Kihuen has warded off calls by House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi, and other Democrats in the Nevada delegation, for his resignation.
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