In the ways of Congress, the message sent by Democratic Leaders on Tuesday to embattled Rep. Anthony Weiner (D-NY) was subtle but straightforward, as top Democrats made no public effort to ease the furor over the admission that he sent women sexual images over the internet.
House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi made the first move, following up on her Monday call for an ethics investigation, as she sent leaders of that panel a letter officially requesting a review of Weiner.
"On June 6, 2011, Representative Anthony Weiner disclosed conduct which he described as inappropriate," Pelosi wrote to the panel.
"An investigation by the Ethics Committee to determine whether the Rules of the House of Representatives have been violated is warranted."
Like her written statement on Monday, it was a terse letter from Pelosi, leading many to believe that she wants Weiner to resign his seat in the Congress, and is intentionally keeping the focus on the Democratic Congressman.
"I know Congressman Weiner," said Senate Democratic Leader Harry Reid, looking like a man who was carefully choosing his words as he addressed reporters Tuesday afternoon.
"I wish I could defend him but I can't."
Reid was then asked what kind of advice he would give Weiner at this time.
"Call somebody else," said Reid, drawing laughter from reporters gathered in the hallway outside the Senate chamber.
But to the Weiner inner circle, the actions of Pelosi and Reid were probably not a laughing matter, as it raised questions about how much internal pressure would be brought on Weiner to resign in coming days, especially with talk about new photos that might be released of the New York Democrat.
Tabloid sites on the internet were brimming with details of sexual exchanges between Weiner and different women, giving the New York tabloids a gift for their web sites.
"He really is one horny congressman," read the lead line in a New York Post story.
Whether more embarrassing information comes out isn't really the point right now - whether Weiner survives is the issue.
The idea of Weiner hunkering down and keeping his job can't be ignored, but it also seems a distinct possibility that Democrats in the House want to send Weiner back to New York City.
But back in the Big Apple, Weiner was telling colleagues that he will not resign, in what could become a test of wills between him and Democratic leaders who are sending the message that it's time to find another line of work.
