The national media loves a feeding frenzy. The more they chase a big story, the bigger the story becomes, and it snowballs from there. It’s a phenomenon that once interest really gets going, the spectacle is fueled by itself until it runs out of gas or until another train wreck draws the crowds of gawkers away.

This year kicked off with actor Charlie Sheen’s public meltdown dominating headlines on a daily basis. The royal wedding was a breath of fresh air that stole some of the limelight, but when that was over, the national focus shifted to actor and former California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s extramarital escapades. Now, the public’s and the media’s thirst for scandal has returned to the world of politics.

Since U.S. Rep. Anthony Weiner (D-New York) admitted to having inappropriate online relationships with several women, the nation has had a field day on him. The nature of his bizarre “sexcapades” and the fact that his name is Anthony Weiner haven’t helped the issue die down. The issue generates a seemingly mandatory punch line for late night talk shows.

But for the House Democrat, the joke’s over.

While last week some of Weiner’s colleagues have spoken out and said it’s time for him to voluntarily step down, more and more Democrats are becoming irritated with the lingering stink surrounding this scandal.

Had Weiner admitted to his behavior without attracting the media circus like it has, there likely would be no problem here. He hasn’t been charged with any crime. The question surrounds his ability to continue to effectively do his job.

Now the scandal has erupted into one that is too much of a distraction for everyone in Washington, and unfortunately, Weiner is apparently taken a defiant stance, seeking “treatment” but refusing to step down. While House leaders try to focus on important issues like job creation and the economy, all they’re asked about is their opinion on the Anthony Weiner scandal.

This is a distraction that is making a mockery out of politics. It’s brought the media circus into the Capitol, and government leaders can’t wait for it to go away.

The only way for this to happen now is for Weiner to announce his resignation effective immediately.