Anthony Weiner is not done running for elective office. Weiner, who has a $4.5 million campaign war chest that can be matched by public funds until the 2013 election, has decided he can still use his staff. He has even spoken to his staff about going back to work for him.
Weiner, who was disgraced by the revelation that he had tweeted a picture of his equipment to a 21-year-old college student, wants to hold the post of New York City mayor, and if the big salami isn’t achievable, run for the post of public advocate.
One source close to Weiner said, “I’ve heard he is seriously thinking about getting into a citywide race in 2013 and would like it to be mayor. In his mind, he’s trying to figure out how to run for mayor.”
Weiner could retire, but the hot dog congressman is unlikely to go gently into the night; he usually wants control of the joystick. One political consultant tried to subtly encourage Weiner to get back into politics: “The general feeling is that you can’t text pictures of your penis to a girl, then lie about it, then get kicked out of the House and then run for mayor right after. But people believe there is a way for him to run for a lesser office.”
Weiner seemingly has a bone to pick with those who think he’s unfit for public office, confident that he can run his candidacy up the flagpole successfully. He should know better how stiff the odds are when you’ve been publicly humiliated, but he’s unlikely to fall on his sword.