Anthony Weiner embroiled in sexting scandal seeks professional help; wants leave of absence from Congress as resignation calls mount
Anthony Weiner embroiled in sexting scandal seeks professional help; wants leave of absence from Congress as resignation calls mount
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With a little help from my friends: US Congressman Weiner admitted
to sending lewd pictures of himself on Twitter and has started treatment
at home since last week. File pic
"Congressman Weiner departed this morning to seek professional treatment to focus on becoming a better husband and healthier person," said a statement released by his office. "In light of that, he will request a short leave of absence from the House of Representatives so that he can get evaluated and map out a course of treatment to make himself well."
Political sources said Weiner started at-home therapy last week and decided to check into a treatment facility for a full evaluation of his sexual urges and compulsive behaviour. Weiner still has no plans to quit, according to political sources. His move to rehab - which the congressman resisted in the early days of the scandal -- comes as House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi and Debbie Wasserman Schultz, the Democratic National Committee chairwoman, each said the lawmaker needs to leave.
"It is with great disappointment that I call on Representative Anthony Weiner to resign," said Schultz (D-Florida), calling the scandal a "sordid affair." It was not immediately clear where Weiner went or what sort of help he'll be receiving.
Money matters
Even if scandal-stained Anthony Weiner didn't want to stay in office, he needs to stay in office. Unlike many of his peers in the House, Weiner doesn't have a business or even a law degree to fall back on. Weiner took home $1,56,117 (Rs 70 lakh) in 2010, according to his federal tax returns. His wife, Huma Abedin earned $1,54,000 (Rs 69 lakh) in 2009, federal records show.
Other job opportunities
Here are some other employment options he can look into:
>> Television: Being a freind of Jon Stewart, Weiner can become a good speaker.
>> Corporate spokesman: Weiner has long fashioned himself as a friend to the little guy, so a leap to the corporate world may not initially seem logical.
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