San Diego Mayor Accused of Harassing Women

Been in office for less than a year

Bob Filner is embroiled in turmoil less than a year after being elected San Diego's first Democratic mayor in 20 years, facing old questions about his confrontational style and a new challenge over allegations that he sexually harassed women.

Filner on Thursday rejected calls from prominent former supporters to resign but he apologized for mistreating women and pleaded with voters for patience, saying, "I need help." Without detailing his actions, Filner called his behavior inappropriate and wrong and said he "diminished" the office.

"If my behavior doesn't change, I cannot succeed in leading our city," he said. "You have every right to be disappointed in me. I only ask that you give me an opportunity to prove I am capable of change, so that the vision I have for our city's future can be realized."