Lopez Lets Voters Decide Future

Embattled New York Assemblyman Vito Lopez has broken his silence about accusations he sexually harassed women staffers and says voters should decide his future.

The Brooklyn Democrat calls the charges against him politically motivated and unethical, aimed at destroying his credibility and "election options."

He says Tuesday he won't give in to demands for his resignation.

Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver is one of those who've asked him to quit after 28 years in the Assembly.

Silver approved using $103,000 in public money to settle two claims against Lopez in June. The Assembly ethics committee censured him Aug. 24 for claims by two other women made in July.

Lopez denies sexually harassing anyone.

He's campaigning for re-election this fall.

Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press