Rally calling for Wiener to resign

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) - The controversy surrounding a racist joke e-mailed by Bernalillo County Commissioner Michael Wiener is prompting action.

On Sunday the state Democratic Party sent out a news release announcing a rally Monday in Albuquerque's Civic Plaza calling for Wiener's resignation.

Democratic Party members and activists say the e-mail is unacceptable and racist. News 13 is not releasing the content of the e-mail, but the joke make reference to President Barack Obama, African-Americans and prison.

According to the news release, Monday's rally will call for the commissioner's immediate resignation.

Wiener  has apologized. On Thursday he told News 13 it is not fair that he's being asked to step down.

"I have apologized to all of the people that I could possibly think of in the African American community and they all seem to be very understanding and forgiving," Wiener said. "The Democratic party, i think it's over the top for them calling for my resignation. I have done a real good job representing my district and I'm not going to step aside."

The YWCA, a number of groups for young Democrats, the Black Student Union and the League of United Latin American Citizens will participate in the rally, according to the news release.

The rally is scheduled for Monday at 5:30 p.m. at Civic Plaza in downtown Albuquerque.