Audacity or Tenacity? Weiner Wants to Help Choose Successor

Disgraced former U.S. Rep. Anthony Weiner, D-NY, is trying to insert himself back into politics, calling power brokers and would-be candidates for his old seat, hoping they'll let him play a role in choosing his own successor, the New York Post reported.

Weiner resigned earlier this month after admitting to sending lewd messages and photos to six women over the last three years, and (initially) lying about it.

One Democratic insider confirmed to the Post that Weiner has spoken to the Queens party chairman, Rep. Joe Crowley, about who should be taking his place. He has also reached out to several potential candidates, according to the insider.

He's held the seat, the insider said. He knows the district better than anyone else. He's interested in a Democrat keeping the seat. I'm pretty sure he's spoken to everybody.

Another source added: I think it's a very natural thing for him to do. This is something he cares about.

A special election is reportedly planned for Sept. 13, but Queens's Democratic and Republican leaders will choose the candidates in lieu of a primary. Possible candidates thus far include City Councilman Mark Weprin; his brother, State Assemblyman David Weprin; Councilwoman and Crowley's cousin Elizabeth Crowley' former Council Members ERIC Gioia and Melinda Katz; and Assemblyman Rory Lancman.

Even so, the seat up for grabs is in a relatively conservative district, so, if the Democrats don't play their hand properly, the seat can potentially fall into Republican hands. Republican City Councilman Eric Ulrich and former Republican candidate Bob Turner are said to be eyeing the seat.

Weiner would be loath to see a Republican get into that seat. Loath, another insider told the Post. That would be just awful to him. Awful, awful, awful.