‘Countless’ lawmakers privately say Dianne Feinstein should resign, says Rep.

Rep. Dean Phillips (D-Minn.) said Wednesday that “countless” congressional lawmakers have said privately that the ailing Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) should resign, but are afraid to say it out loud as democrats deal with his continued absence.

“We have an honesty crisis in Congress, I think it’s fair to say,” Phillips told NBC’s “Meet The Press.” “And I’m tired of working with people who say one thing in private and refuse to say the same thing in public.”

Phillips was one of the first Democrats to say that Feinstein, who has been out of Washington for months while recovering from shingles, should resign. Feinstein, 89, was hospitalized for two weeks in February. She said that she will return to the Senate once her doctors approve it.

Last week, she asked to be temporarily replaced on the powerful Senate Judiciary Committee, but Republicans blocked the effort. Feinstein’s absence is delaying the approval of President Joe Biden’s judicial nominees, which Republican leaders say is fine with them.

Phillips also took issue with comments by former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) that the growing calls for Feinstein to resign were sexist and politically motivated.

“This is not about sexism, not about one man or one woman,” Phillips said. “It’s all about general competition. It’s not about being a Democrat or a Republican. It’s about doing the right thing. And I’m disappointed, frankly, in that comment. I think it’s unfair.”

Feinstein is not seeking re-election but has said he intends to serve out his term, which ends in January 2025. California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) has said he would appoint a black woman to Feinstein’s job if withdraws early.

Phillips also said he would like to see a contest against Biden for the 2024 Democratic presidential nomination. While acknowledging Biden’s accomplishments, he told NBC’s Kristen Welker that “no one in this country, in particular, should be anointed as our next president”.

Biden has signaled that he intends to run, but has not formally announced a campaign.

“Competition is good and I think it’s time for a new generation to at least share the stage if they don’t take it,” Phillips said.