Weiner apologizes for lewd photos - but will not resign

By Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)
6/7/2011
Catholic Online (www.catholic.org)

Representative takes full responsibility for his actions. Will remain with wife

U.S. Rep. Anthony Weiner formally apologized for lying about posting inappropriate photos online and admitted to carrying on relationships with several women he'd met online. The New York Democrat also said that he is not resigning, nor is he planning on separating from his wife. He says he's taking "full responsibility" for his actions, for both the illicit relationships and for lying about sending a lewd photo of himself last month on his Twitter account.

Anthony Weiner claimed he does not believe he used any government resources, while he 'exchanged messages and photos of an explicit nature with about six women over the last three years.' Some of those relationships began before his 2010 marriage and some happened, and continued, afterward.

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LOS ANGELES, CA (Catholic Online) - "To be clear, the picture was of me, and I sent it. I'm deeply sorry for the pain this has caused my wife, and our family, my constituents, my friends, my supporters and my staff," he said. Weiner claimed he'd posted the Twitter photo accidentally as a "joke" and then "panicked.

"I lied because I was ashamed at what I had done, and I didn't want to get caught."

Weiner described his actions as "dumb," "destructive" and "deeply, deeply hurtful" -- both for his obfuscation and for repeatedly engaging in "inappropriate conversations conducted over Twitter, Facebook, e-mail and occasionally on the phone" with women he'd met online.

The congressman says that he never met any of the women in person, and that his wife Huma only recently learned he'd been lying about the Twitter picture on Monday morning.

"I have made terrible mistakes," Weiner told reporters. "I have not been honest with myself or my family. ... I should not have done this, and I should not have done this particularly when I was married."

Weiner claimed he does not believe he used any government resources, while he "exchanged messages and photos of an explicit nature with about six women over the last three years." Some of those relationships began before his 2010 marriage and some happened, and continued, afterward.

House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi announced that she would press on "for an Ethics Committee investigation to determine whether any official resources were used or any other violation of House rules occurred."

Weiner issued a statement saying he would "welcome and fully cooperate" with the probe. One Republican source called the move "hollow," saying Pelosi should have insisted that Weiner resign, as former Rep. Chris Lee, a New York Republican, did in February amid reports that the married man had tried to solicit women via Craigslist.

If Weiner were to choose to resign or be compelled to leave office, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, also a Democrat would determine the timing of a special election to replace him.

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Pope Benedict XVI's Prayer Intentions for January 2013
General Intention: The Faith of Christians. That in this Year of Faith Christians may deepen their knowledge of the mystery of Christ and witness joyfully to the gift of faith in him.
Missionary Intention: Middle Eastern Christians. That the Christian communities of the Middle East, often discriminated against, may receive from the Holy Spirit the strength of fidelity and perseverance.

Keywords: Anthony Weiner, Internet, lewd photos, Facebook

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1 - 2 of 2 Comments

Rob
1 year ago
Just sad how little respect our politicians have for the people they represent. I guess it's up to the voters in his state to ultimately decide his fate since he seems to have no sense of honor.
Michael
1 year ago
My problem with this is if someone outright lies, and would be happy if he got away with it, how can I trust him/her in anything else they say whether it political or personal. He has to go!!!

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