Jefferson's support begins to unravel

Jefferson's support begins to unravel: "Bruce Alpert%%par%%Washington bureau

WASHINGTON -- Support for Rep. William Jefferson, D-New Orleans, began to waver within his own party Thursday as the top two House Democrats called on the ethics committee to launch an investigation into bribery allegations that exploded again this week in a federal court.

House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi of California and Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer of Maryland distanced themselves from Jefferson the day after a Kentucky businessman pleaded guilty in federal court to paying more than $450,000 to a company controlled by Jefferson's family in exchange for official favors.

Jefferson has not been charged and has denied wrongdoing.

'In the case of Mr. Jefferson, I think the ethics committee should investigate him,' Pelosi said at a news conference as she stood in front of a banner that said, 'Honest Leadership, Open Government.'

'It is his private matter, and he should be investigated because of the stories that have been in the press and the guilty plea yesterday.'"