San Diego Mayor: I'll Go to Rehab, Won't Resign

San Diego Mayor Bob Filner admitted today that he's a longtime lech who routinely disrespects women, but he's still not resigning. Instead, he thinks two weeks of therapy should do the trick. At a news conference, Filner said he will go to a "behavior counseling clinic" next month and then presumably emerge a new man, reports CNN. Seven women have come forward so far to accuse him of everything from gropes to headlocks to raunchy comments, and one of his administration's female department chiefs resigned in protest last night, reports the San Diego Union-Tribune.

"The behavior I have engaged in over many years is wrong," Filner said. "My failure to respect women and the intimidating conduct I engaged in at times is inexcusable." He apologized again to all the women he has offended. But "words alone are not enough," he added. "I am responsible for my conduct. And I must take responsibility for my conduct." Even leading members of his own party want him to quit. Democratic National Committee chief Debbie Wasserman Schultz called his behavior "reprehensible and indefensible" and said he should resign immediately. (More mayor stories.)