LOS ANGELES : NOW Chapter Demands Holden’s Resignation

The Los Angeles chapter of the National Organization for Women demanded Wednesday that Los Angeles City Councilman Nate Holden resign his office and withdraw from the mayor’s race because he “clearly holds the issue of sexual harassment beyond contempt.”

Tammy Bruce, president of the local NOW chapter, had a tense confrontation with about a dozen Holden supporters when she delivered a letter making the demands to his Wilshire Boulevard campaign office.

Bruce claimed that a dozen women toting “Holden for Mayor” placards jostled her and screamed insults. A Holden spokeswoman said the women merely stood by and chanted their support for the councilman.

Holden, who has vigorously denied sexual harassment accusations leveled by three former female staff members, said he will not step down. “I don’t plan to withdraw,” he said. “There were a tremendous number of people out there supporting me.”