WASHINGTON - Rep. Anthony Weiner is asking for a temporary leave of absence from the House of Representatives while he seeks professional treatment in the wake of his Twitter scandal.
A spokeswoman for the New York Democrat says he has left for professional treatment and will focus on "becoming a better husband and healthier person."
Spokeswoman Risa Heller says Weiner wants the leave of absence so he can be evaluated and work out a course of treatment.
The statement doesn't say what Weiner would be treated for.
Just before Weiner issued the statement, leading Democrats had demanded that he step down.