PHOENIX - Embattled congressional candidate Steve Montenegro faced calls Wednesday from several prominent Republican women to end his campaign, just six days before next Tuesday's primary election.
Former Gov. Jan Brewer and Cathi Herrod, a leading social conservative in Arizona and a powerful Capitol lobbyist, both rejected Montenegro's response to a 12 News story reporting on his text messaging with an Arizona Legislature staffer.
12 News reported Tuesday evening that Montenegro, who is married and a minister at his father's church, received a topless selfie from the staffer. Montenegro responded by urging her to use an instant messaging app that erases videos and images once they are viewed by the recipient.
Montenegro's text message exchanges appeared to conflict with his claim of of "virtue, honor and integrity."
Montenegro slammed the 12 News report on Facebook as "false tabloid trash" but never denied the story.
Former Gov. Brewer, who supports Montenegro opponent Debbie Lesko, demanded in a tweet that Montenegro either deny the story, confess to it or get out of the race. And do it "immediately."
As a resident of the West Valley's Eighth Congressional District, Brewer will be represented by whomever wins the seat.
Herrod, who rarely inserts herself into contested Republican primaries, called Montenegro "a friend" in a tweet, but urged him to abandon his campaign for failing to issue a "clear denial" of the texting story.
Two female Republican officeholders - State Sens. Karen Fann and Nancy Barto - also urged Montenegro to withdraw.
Montenegro did not return a message seeking comment. He has not responded to any requests for comment from 12 News over the last five days, and has been a no-show at public events.
Lesko and Montenegro have been considered front-runners in the 12-person Republican primary.
They are vying to fill the seat left vacant when GOP Congressman Trent Franks resigned last December amid sexual harassment allegations.
The winner of the GOP primary will be a heavy favorite to win the general election April 4 in the majority Republican district.