Two key senators called Friday for Housing and Urban Development Secretary Alphonso R. Jackson to resign for refusing to answer their questions on allegations of wrongdoing in public housing contracts.

Sen. Christopher J. Dodd, D-Conn., chairman of the Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee, and Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., chair of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, said Jackson has “continually refused to respond to direct questions” about allegations of wrongdoing and has also not adequately responded to written inquiries.

“Secretary Jackson has repeatedly demonstrated that he is not in the position to provide the type of leadership that is necessary during these trying and difficult times,” Dodd said in a statement, adding, “I do not believe Secretary Jackson is capable of effectively carrying out his responsibilities and the responsibilities of the Department of Housing and Urban Development.”

Jackson is facing allegations of corruption and cronyism in contracts awarded at public housing authorities in New Orleans, Philadelphia and the Virgin Islands.

Jackson also previously claimed to have rescinded the contract of a person who was not a supporter of President Bush, and has allegedly advised his senior staff to improperly take political affiliation into account in awarding contracts.

“We are in the midst of a national housing crisis,” said Murray, whose subcommittee funds HUD spending. “The allegations of cronyism and favoritism against Secretary Jackson are a worsening distraction at HUD at a time when we must have a credible housing secretary that is beyond suspicion. It is time for Secretary Jackson to go.”

Neither the White House nor HUD responded immediately to a request for comment.

During hearings last week, Murray criticized Jackson for refusing to answer pointed questions about the corruption allegations and told him, “It’s imperative that you clear this up as soon as possible. You’re agency is operating under a cloud right now.”

“I’m going to let investigators do their job,” Jackson responded. “I’m going to let them do their work before I make a public comment.”