HARTFORD, Conn. — The office of Connecticut Congressman Jim Himes says he is giving away $2,000 that his campaign received from Rep. Anthony Weiner.

Himes also joined Democratic leaders in saying that Weiner should resign because the sex scandal surrounding the New York politician has become a distraction.

Himes said in a statement Monday that he is donating the money his campaign received from Weiner in the 2008 and 2010 election cycles to a Stamford charity.

National Republican Congressional Committee spokesman Tory Mazzola said his group has been calling on Himes to return the money for a week and alleged he is acting because of political pressure.

Weiner is on a temporary leave of absence, in treatment for an undisclosed disorder. He has acknowledged exchanging messages and photos with several women online.