Rep. Anthony Weiner (D-N.Y.) made it all but offical that he’ll run for mayor again in 2013 and all but certain that he’ll have the Clintons in his corner this time.
“I have a passing interest in the management of New York,” Weiner said in one of many asides during a Washington speech on the first anniversary of President Obama’s health care bill.
“I have a passing interest in the management of New York,” Weiner said in one of many asides during a Washington speech on the first anniversary of President Obama’s health care bill.
The launch-pad setting for the Weiner address was the Center for American Progress, a Clintonista think tank run by John Podesta, who was chief of staff to former President Bill Clinton.
And if anybody missed the point that Weiner was likely to get the Clintons’ blessing and the big bucks that come with it, the speech also featured a not-so-surprise star turn by his stunning and savvy wife
Huma Abedin, a top aide to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.
Huma Abedin, a top aide to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.
As Weiner droned on about mandates and public options, Abedin entered stage right from a side door to take a front-row seat. “Hi Huma,” Weiner said. “Apparently there’s peace in the world, so she was able to stop by.”
Weiner later said his mayoral ambitions have not exactly been hidden. “Hey, news flash, I’m interested,” said Weiner, who was chased out of the 2005 primary by Mayor Bloomberg’s bankroll.
“It would be exceedingly coy of me, especially in this town (D.C.), to present that I’m not interested” in being mayor, Weiner said.
Weiner might also have a leg up on getting Bloomberg’s backing over potential rivals such as City Council Speaker Christine Quinn, Controller John Liu, Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer and Public Advocate Bill De Blasio.
Bloomberg calls Weiner “Anthony” and in off-the-record chats, loves to relate Weiner’s profane rants against Republicans.
