White House: Weiner's conduct 'distraction'

WASHINGTON — The White House said Monday that Rep. Anthony Weiner's conduct has been inappropriate and distracting, while the House Ethics Committee started a preliminary inquiry that could bloom into a full investigation if the New York Democrat ignores mounting pressure to resign.

"The president feels, we feel in the White House, that this is a distraction, obviously," White House spokesman Jay Carney said in response to reporters' questions aboard Air Force One as the president traveled to North Carolina. "As Congressman Weiner has said himself, his behavior was inappropriate, his dish...