DNC Moves to Force Filner's Resignation

The Democratic National Committee plans to vote on a resolution Friday calling on San Diego Mayor Bob Filner to resign.

The move follows the filing of 16 sexual harassment complaints against the Democrat by various women, and in the wake of Filner's own admission that he "failed to fully respect the women who work for me and with me."

The resolution is expected to pass and the DNC is promising to help any recall efforts against the mayor if he refuses to step down, according to CNN.

"We cannot reassure voters that a vote for a Democrat is a vote for a champion for women unless Democrats walk our talk on equality and take firm action in accordance with our values and stand up for women by condemning his behavior and calling on him to immediately resign as Mayor of San Diego," the resolution states.

The resolution adds that the Democratic Party "condemns any person who creates a hostile workplace or engages in sexually harassing and humiliating behavior towards women or men."

It then urges San Diego residents to move toward a vote to oust Filner if he continues his refusal to "face the consequences of his actions, sparing his constituents the embarrassment and expense of a recall election."

The DNC is expected to vote on the resolution at its annual meeting this week in Scottsdale, Ariz., according to The Washington Post.

"We expect a resolution to be voted on and pass calling on Mayor Filner to resign when the DNC meets in Arizona on Friday," a DNC official told the newspaper.

Major Democratic leaders have also called on Filner to resign, including House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi and Florida Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, who also serves as chairwoman of the DNC.

A recall petition drive began Sunday in San Diego aimed at removing the mayor, who was a California congressman from 1993 to Dec. 3, 2012, when he was sworn in as San Diego's top executive.

Also, the Republican city attorney and outside lawyers unveiled legal strategies to oust the mayor more quickly and at less cost. Both alternatives, including one to be presented to the City Council, would rely on court action and involve claims that he misused city funds.

Related: Filner Foes Eye San Diego Mayor's Ouster Without Costly Recall

A vote may be taken at the Aug. 28 meeting on pursuing such an action in San Diego County Superior Court, based on reports that the mayor used his city credit card for $975 in personal expenses such as travel, restaurant bills and a blender, said Katie Keach, deputy chief of staff to council President Todd Gloria. The 35-year-old Democrat would replace the mayor on an acting basis if Filner resigns.

Filner’s credit card charges “further demonstrate his lack of fitness for office,” Gloria said in a written statement.

Information from Bloomberg was used in this report.