Abandoned by party leaders, how long can Anthony Weiner hang on?

In a major blow to Rep. Anthony Weiner’s attempt to hold onto his job in the wake of a “sexting” scandal, three top Democratic leaders Saturday told the embattled New York congressman that he has to go.

"It is with great disappointment that I call on Representative Anthony Weiner to resign," Democratic National Committee Chairwoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz said in a statement Saturday. "The behavior he has exhibited is indefensible, and Representative Weiner's continued service in Congress is untenable.”

"This sordid affair has become an unacceptable distraction for Representative Weiner, his family, his constituents and the House,” Wasserman Schultz said. “And for the good of all, he should step aside and address those things that should be most important – his and his family's well-being."

IN PICTURES: Ethically challenged congressmen

Earlier in the week, House Democratic leader Rep. Nancy Pelosi had described herself as “deeply disappointed and saddened about this situation.” But she stopped short of telling Weiner to resign, calling instead for an Ethics Committee investigation “to determine whether any official resources were used or any other violation of House rules occurred” in the several instances in which Weiner had sent sexually-explicit emails and photos of himself to a half dozen women.

The last straw for Pelosi came with the revelation Friday that Weiner also had exchanged emails with a 17 year-old high school girl in Delaware – although both Weiner and the young woman denied that there was anything explicit or indecent in the exchange.

In a statement Saturday Pelosi said: “Congressman Weiner has the love of his family, the confidence of his constituents, and the recognition that he needs help. I urge Congressman Weiner to seek that help without the pressures of being a Member of Congress.”

Rep. Steve Israel, who chairs the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, called on Weiner to resign as well.

“Anthony’s inappropriate behavior has become an insurmountable distraction to the House and our work for the American people. With a heavy heart, I call on Anthony to resign," said Israel's statement. “I pray for his family and hope that Anthony will take time to get the help he needs without the distractions and added pressures of Washington, DC.”

Pelosi and Israel issued their statements after asking Weiner privately to call it quits, according to Politico.com.

“They both called him this morning and said ‘you should resign,’ and he didn’t and they issued their statements,” a source familiar with the discussions told the online political site. “The White House was engaged.”

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