Activists Want Cunningham To Resign Now

15 Aug 2005 // SAN DIEGO -- Activists are calling for the resignation of U.S. Rep. Randy "Duke" Cunningham.

Cunningham is the subject of federal investigations and is asking to use campaign money to pay his legal fees, 10News reported.

Cunningham announced last month that he would not run for re-election. Some political and ethical groups said that's a good start, but they think the congressman should step down now.

"We do not feel it's appropriate that a member of the House be allowed to simply wait out this period," said Matt O'Connor, with the North County Unity Coalition.

The coalition came up with the idea for a virtual petition drive, resignrandy.org, after Cunningham announced he would not seek a ninth term.

Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington is also calling for Cunningham to resign and has asked the Federal Election Commission to deny the congressman's request to use campaign contributions to cover legal costs.

"So since we don't yet know what it is he's defending against, it seems premature for Mr. Cunningham to be able to use that money," said Melanie Sloan, with CREW.

10News called major and minor Cunningham contributors. Two called back telling 10News they signed the letter allowing Cunningham to use their campaign donations for legal defense. Both expect the Vietnam ace fighter pilot to emerge victorious.

North County Unity and CREW will present the petitions to Cunningham's Escondido office on Thursday.

The groups are also looking for a member of Congress to take the issue to the House Ethics Committee.

Cunningham's office did not respond to 10News's request for a comment.

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